Cape Verde draws Saudi Arabia 0-0 to reach World Cup knockout stage as smallest nation in history

A dream debut

With a population of just 593,000, the Atlantic archipelago reached the last 32 in its first World Cup appearance. The 0-0 draw was enough after Spain's 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara eliminated the South Americans. Cape Verde's players stayed on the pitch watching the final seconds of that match on a mobile phone, then erupted in celebration.

Group H journey

The Blue Sharks held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opener, came from behind to draw Uruguay 2-2, and then shut out Saudi Arabia. They finished with three points and three draws, enough for second place behind Spain. Midfielder Deroy Duarte was named man of the match against Saudi Arabia.

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.

Bubista's pride

Coach Bubista, who draped his country's flag over his shoulders at the post-match press conference, insisted the result was not a fairytale but the product of organisation, discipline and a refusal to wilt. He praised his squad's unity and resilience, and said nothing is impossible for a small country that fights for what it wants to achieve.

I'm proud of what they've achieved. To finish the first phase without losing a single match, we have to be pleased. It was down to organisation and team spirit. Our fans deserve all of this.

Defensive fortress

Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, became the symbol of Cape Verde's stingy defence. He kept clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia and was voted player of the match after the Spain stalemate. The team conceded only two goals in three group matches, continuing a run of just seven goals allowed in 13 competitive fixtures since 2024.

We are small but we have big hearts.

Next stop: Miami

Cape Verde now face reigning world champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in the round of 32 on July 3 in Miami. The odds are stacked against them, but Duarte struck an optimistic note.

It's against Argentina, isn't it? A tough match, but let's believe. Anything is possible.