Cape Verde’s remarkable journey is set to continue, as the African nation has become the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage. They finished second in Group H and have been rewarded with a round of 32 clash against reigning champions Argentina.
The Blue Sharks played out a 0-0 stalemate with Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium in their final group stage encounter. But having secured their third point, their destiny was still being determined roughly 820 miles away in Zapopan, Mexico, where Spain took on Uruguay.
Cape Verde players consequently gathered on the pitch and monitored the closing stages of the fixture on their mobile phones.
They required Luis de la Fuente’s side to preserve their narrow 1-0 advantage, while tensions rose on the turf at Guadalajara Stadium. Agustin Canobbio, who was involved in several heated moments, was sent off in the closing stages for a horror challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
He later lashed out at the referee, which forced his teammates to intervene and he also continued the scuffle with Spain’s bench. The fracas further extended the match — and Cape Verde’s anxious wait.
Finally, the referee ended that clash. Spain’s victory meant Cape Verde leapfrogged Uruguay and finished the group stage in second place, booking a spot in the round of 32 where they will face Argentina.
View 2 ImagesCape Verde will face Argentina in the World Cup round of 32
The Blue Sharks immediately erupted in joy, jumping up and down to celebrate the incredible achievement with many players later pictured emotional with their families.
Cape Verde head into the round of 32 full of confidence and belief having kept two clean sheets and conceded just two goals while being unbeaten in all three games.
That record will be severely tested by Argentina and a fully fit Lionel Messi, with it confirmed he will only play a portion of the second half in their final group game against Jordan.
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