Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup adventure will continue into the knockout stage after the Blue Sharks secured a historic place in the last 32 following a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
The result ensured the tournament debutants finished second in Group H with three points, becoming the first team since Chile in 1998 to progress from the group stage with three draws. The achievement also makes Cape Verde the first African nation since Ghana in 2006 to advance from the World Cup group stage on their debut appearance.
Despite being ranked 67th in the world, Bubista’s side remained unbeaten throughout the group stage, having previously held both Spain and Uruguay to draws before earning the point they needed against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde looked the more dangerous side for large periods of the contest. Willy Semedo twice threatened to break the deadlock, first forcing a save from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais before sending another effort wide.
Saudi Arabia suffered a major setback midway through the first half when defender Hassan Al Tambakti collapsed without contact and had to be stretchered off.
After the interval, Kevin Pina came close to producing the breakthrough with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the top corner, while Al Owais later denied Laros Duarte in a one-on-one situation to keep Saudi Arabia’s hopes alive.
As the final whistle sounded, Cape Verde’s players gathered around a mobile phone to follow the closing moments of Uruguay’s defeat to Spain. The confirmation of Uruguay’s loss sparked emotional celebrations as the Blue Sharks learned their World Cup journey would continue.
The achievement is particularly remarkable for the island nation of just over 500,000 people, who entered the tournament as outsiders in a group containing former world champions Spain and Uruguay.
Cape Verde will now face defending champions Argentina in the last 32 at Miami Stadium on Friday, July 3, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the knockout round.
Midfielder Deroy Duarte struggled to contain his emotions after helping his country reach the knockout stage.
“Honestly, it’s mad. I feel like I’m in a dream.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup.
“To be man of the match and make history is something I could never have imagined.
“First, let’s celebrate. We’re so happy. Let’s hope all Cape Verdeans are happy too. From tomorrow, we’ll focus on the next match.
“It’s against Argentina, isn’t it? A tough match, but let’s believe. Anything is possible.”
With Lionel Messi’s Argentina now standing in their way, Cape Verde’s fairytale campaign faces its biggest test yet. However, after emerging unbeaten from one of the tournament’s toughest groups, the Blue Sharks have already shown that they are capable of upsetting the odds.
