World Cup: Cape Verde’s dream run continues, set up Argentina knockout clash

By Tolulope Oke

Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup fairytale continued on Friday after the debutants held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw to seal a place in the knockout rounds and set up a dream clash with reigning champions Argentina.

The stalemate in Houston, combined with Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, was enough to send the tiny island nation into the last 32 as runners-up in Group H.

Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world and making their first appearance at the tournament, finished behind Spain after drawing all three of their group matches.

They will now face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Miami on July 3 in what promises to be another historic night for the archipelago nation of just over 500,000 people.

The players broke down in tears after the final whistle, while several fans were also overcome with emotion as the scale of the achievement sank in.

There were anxious moments after the match as the squad waited for confirmation of Spain’s result against Uruguay.

When news of Spain’s win finally came through on a mobile phone, the Cape Verde players erupted in celebration.

“I’m living in a dream to be honest,” midfielder Deroy Duarte told broadcasters.

The celebrations were also replicated in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, where supporters had stayed awake into the early hours to watch the decisive group match.

Cape Verde coach Bubista, who arrived for his press conference wrapped in his country’s flag, said his players had always believed they could reach the knockout stage.

“We had this in our minds and heads that we could get to this stage,” he said.

“We felt the team was very eager to show this to the whole world.

“We are proud to get to this stage and again have showed the world that we are a small country but we fight for what we want.

“To us, nothing is impossible.”

Spain finished top of Group H with seven points, while Cape Verde ended on three points.

Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were both eliminated after finishing with two points each.

Spain will face the team that finishes second in Group J, which will be either Algeria or Austria.

For Cape Verde, the qualification capped a stunning group-stage campaign.

They began their first World Cup appearance by holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha producing a heroic performance.

They then battled to a brave 2-2 draw against two-time former champions Uruguay, giving themselves a chance of reaching the knockout rounds going into the final group match against Saudi Arabia.

With history within reach, Bubista made several changes to his starting side but retained Vozinha in goal.

Cape Verde had slightly the better of the first half against a Saudi side that had drawn 1-1 with Uruguay before losing 4-0 to Spain.

Saudi Arabia suffered a setback in the 33rd minute when experienced defender Hassan al-Tambakti was stretchered off injured.

News of Spain’s goal against Uruguay late in the first half was greeted by loud cheers from Cape Verde fans in Houston, as the result strengthened their qualification hopes.

Willy Semedo fired narrowly wide for Cape Verde, but neither side created many clear chances in a tense first half.

At that stage, Cape Verde were going through at Uruguay’s expense.

Three minutes after the restart, Jamiro Monteiro missed a major chance from close range, while Kevin Pina later fired just off target from distance.

As the match entered the final quarter, tension grew, but Saudi Arabia struggled to create enough danger despite needing a goal to keep their own hopes alive.

In the 75th minute, Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais made a vital save to deny Laros Duarte.

Cape Verde needed only a point, but they still looked the more likely side to score in the closing stages.

The final whistle confirmed one of the most emotional stories of the tournament so far, as Cape Verde extended their debut World Cup adventure and earned a glamour knockout tie against Argentina.

AFP