Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the knockout round following a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night.
The small island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on soccer’s grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw and then came from behind to get a 2-2 result against Uruguay in Miami Gardens.
Cape Verde will play reigning World Cup champion Argentina in Miami Gardens on July 3.
Team’s Dream Run Continues
Cape Verde’s three points put the team in second place behind Spain, which beat Uruguay on Friday night and won the group.
Drawing all three group matches does not guarantee advancement at major soccer tournaments. But several teams have done it in the past, including Wales in 1958, Ireland and the Netherlands in 1990, and Chile in 1998.
A woman, her face painted with a flag of the archipelago, held a sign that read: “Small Islands, Big Dreams.”
A dream that these underdogs have made reality as they continue their charmed run on the world stage.
Goalkeeper Vozinha had a strong game, making several key saves to help his team advance.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
