Cape Verde became the first World Cup debutant in 20 years to reach the knockout stage after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match.
The island nation off Africa’s Atlantic Coast had already made history last October by qualifying for the tournament after topping a group that included traditional African power Cameroon.
Cape Verde was the third-smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, and it has now become the smallest nation ever to reach the second phase.
Cape Verde finished second in Group H with three points after three draws. Saudi Arabia finished third with two points, while Uruguay also ended with two points after losing 1-0 to Spain in Friday night’s other group match.
Spain topped the group with seven points after two wins and one draw.
Ranked No. 67 in the FIFA World Rankings, Cape Verde set up its historic achievement with a 0-0 draw against Spain, the pre-tournament betting favorite. The team will now face defending champion Argentina in Miami Gardens next Friday.
Saudi Arabia failed to advance from the group stage for a sixth straight World Cup appearance. The Saudis last reached the round of 16 in 1994, their first World Cup tournament.
Before Cape Verde’s achievement, Ghana and Ukraine were the last World Cup debutants to advance from the group stage, both doing so in 2006.
Although Friday’s match ended without a goal, Cape Verde looked the stronger side for much of the game and deserved to advance. The team created the best chance of the match in the 74th minute.
Nuno da Costa ran onto a long through ball from inside his own half, drove toward two Saudi defenders, and played the ball to his right for Laros Duarte’s run. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais came off his line and stopped Duarte’s first-time shot with his trailing leg.
Cape Verde continued to threaten through da Costa. Minutes after Al-Owais’ save, da Costa got around the corner but sent his shot wide from a tight angle. In second-half stoppage time, he narrowly missed another clear chance, although the linesman’s flag later went up.
Cape Verde had the better first half, but Saudi Arabia produced the only shot on goal before the break. Mohamed Kanno’s header in stoppage time was comfortably saved by Vozinha.
Cape Verde put its first effort on target three minutes into the second half when Jamiro Monteiro reached Ryan Mendes’ cross, but his weak attempt was easily handled by Al-Owais.
Saudi Arabia improved for a short spell after making a double substitution. Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat forced Vozinha into an awkward save in the 67th minute, shortly after coming on.
Vozinha, who was also the hero in Cape Verde’s opening draw against Spain, finished the match with three saves.
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