Cape Verde Reach World Cup Knockout Stage After 0-0 Draw with Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde made history on Friday night in Houston, advancing to the World Cup knockout stages on their debut appearance following a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. The result secured their place in the last 32 as runners-up in Group H, behind Spain, who beat Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara.
The Cape Verde players waited on the field for the Spain-Uruguay match to conclude before celebrating with coach Bubista and their fans, who were dancing and jumping for joy in the stands. Cape Verde, who drew all their group stage matches, will face defending champions Argentina on 3 July in Miami.
Midfielder Deroy Duarte reflected on the achievement: "It's all as if it's a dream," he said. "When I was a little boy I dreamed of playing in the World Cup... it's unthinkable what we've done."
The team's path to the knockout stage included a remarkable 2-2 draw with two-time world champions Uruguay on Sunday in Miami. Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal with a free-kick from 30 meters, and Helio Varela equalized after the hour mark following Uruguay's two first-half goals from Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio. Cape Verde's coach Bubista credited the team's spirit and identity: "From the beginning, we came here to compete at the highest level," he said. "What makes us happy is not only the results, but being able to show our identity as a team, our spirit, our unity and ability to fight back."
Uruguay's hopes of advancing were ultimately dashed after their group-stage exit was confirmed. In their final match, Agustin Canobbio was dismissed in stoppage time for an ugly challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. Cape Verde's advancement was aided by Spain's victory, which the team acknowledged with gratitude.
Meanwhile, France thrashed Norway 4-1 to win Group I, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a hat-trick. France will face Sweden in the last 32, while Norway will meet Cote d'Ivoire in Dallas on 30 June.