Cape Verde make history as they progress to knockouts after Saudi Arabia draw
Cape Verde will play Argentina in Miami on July 3.
Cape Verde became the smallest country in history to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup after drawing 0-0 against Saudi Arabia.
Three draws from their three group games saw the minnows finish second in Group H behind Spain and above Uruguay.
Both teams struggled to create opportunities in front of the goal in the first half.
An early attempt from Jamiro Monteiro was saved by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
In the second half, Al-Owais comfortably saved an effort from Wagner Pina, while Kevin Pina later shot wide.
Cape Verde carved out one last scoring opportunity in the game’s dying seconds, but Nuno da Costa fired just wide of the box.
Cape Verde will play Argentina in Miami on July 3.
Cape Verde boss Bubista insists he is proud to show what the country can do in front of the whole world.
He told a post-match press conference: “Of course we represent our country, but we also represent Africa. And beyond that, we represent the small countries around the world.
“And this is our mission. We are an example that shows that if you work with focus and determination, sooner or later you will arrive at your goal.”
Saudi Arabia boss Georgios Donis said: “We were very poor in terms of creating things, controlling the game and creating actions.”