Cape Verde continued their fairy story run on the 2026 World Cup by making the spherical of 32 of their first look, ending second in Group H after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.
The island nation have been one of many tales of the match. With a inhabitants of simply 500,000 individuals, their soccer group produced very good performances towards powerhouses Spain and Uruguay of their first two group video games to seize the hearts of the world.
Cape Verde knew if issues went their manner within the ultimate matches, they might go straight by means of to the knockouts – there was even a state of affairs the place they might have received the group – however the end in Houston coupled with Spain’s 1-0 win noticed them end as runners-up behind La Roja.
It units up a spherical of 32 tie with Argentina on Friday July 3 in Miami with kick-off at 11pm.
The important thing moments from Houston…
33: SUB! Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti is stretchered off with Ali Lajami on in his place.
45+2: CLOSE! Saudi go near the opener, however Vozinha saves Mohamed Kanno’s header.
49: HUGE CHANCE! Jamiro Monteiro virtually places Cape Verde forward, however his shot is saved by Mohammed Al Owais.
74: BIG SAVE! Al Owais makes an outstanding save to maintain Laros Duarte from scoring.
90+2: HUGE MOMENT! Saudi Arabia have an enormous probability to avoid wasting their World Cup, however Abdullah Al Hamddan’s effort is well-collected by Vozinha.
Neville: Cape Verde exhibits soccer is unpredictable – that is why we like it!
Sky Sports activities’ Gary Neville on ITV:
“For those sceptics who thought expanding the tournament wasn’t the right thing, they might just be rethinking it watching Cape Verde.
We’ve just seen Uruguay go out, one of the teams with the richest history in this tournament, and now we’ve got one of the smallest countries getting to the knockout phase. It’s a very special moment for them.
“Wanting on the group [before the tournament], we’d’ve stated Spain and Uruguay are by means of on paper. We would not have even contemplated Cape Verde doing what they’ve achieved.
“Football is unpredictable. That’s why we love it and it’s a great moment for the competition and this new format.”
Cape Verde head coach Bubista waves the flag as he celebrates reaching the spherical of 32
‘I really feel like I am in a dream’
Cape Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte: “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.
“First, let’s rejoice. We’re so comfortable. Let’s hope all Cape Verdeans are comfortable too. From tomorrow, we’ll deal with the subsequent match. It is towards Argentina, is not it? A troublesome match, however let’s consider. Something is feasible.”
Cape Verde forward Dailon Livramento: “We tried to play soccer, we tried to play our personal model. This was the match the place we had been in a position to present that.
“In the end, we’ll look at what we could have done better – like finishing off our moves – but that’s for the next match. For now, we’re just going to celebrate.”
Selfies and cowboy hats! Cape Verde rejoice historic second
Cape Verde celebrates with their followers after their spot within the spherical of 32 was confirmed
Cape Verde’s Diney Borges celebrates after reaching the spherical of 32
Cape Verde head coach Bubista waves a flag whereas being carried on the shoulder of Jovane Cabral
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha takes a selfie with followers after the sport towards Saudi Arabia
