Cape Verde have made history by becoming the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage at the World Cup.
News
The prize for a side representing a group of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean will be to face defending champions Argentina in the last 32.
Players huddled around a mobile phone on the pitch following their goalless draw with Saudi Arabia to watch the final moments of Spain’s win over Uruguay – a result that confirmed Cape Verde finished as Group H runners-up.
“Tears of pride and joy all around the stands,” said BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Rob Law in Houston.
Details
“There was a beautiful moment where they were all huddled around waiting on their phones, waiting for the full-time whistle to go.
“When it did, tears flowed on the pitch and in the stands as well. What a moment. The moment of the World Cup so far.”
That followed an incredible goalless draw in their opening game against Spain, where 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero, and a 2-2 draw with two-time World Cup winners Uruguay.
Analysis
“It’s incredible what they are doing, it wasn’t just one game against Spain, it is three games at the highest level,” said Spain’s former World Cup winner Juan Mata on ITV.
How has a nation of just 525,000 inhabitants, who qualified ahead of five-time African champions Cameroon, made it this far?
Diaspora factor and plan to reach ‘big table’
Stay informed with the latest news on Wararka.so — your trusted source for Somalia and world news.
