Cape Verde reach FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, face Argentina
Three draws, no losses, and the smallest nation ever to advance at a World Cup; the Blue Sharks meet Messi's Argentina in Miami on July 3
أضف إلى قائمة
لا قوائم بعد.
Summary
Cape Verde advanced to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history on Saturday, finishing as Group H runners-up after drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia while Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara simultaneously. The Blue Sharks, a nation of roughly 500,000, went through the group without a win, three draws earning three points, making them the smallest country ever to reach a World Cup Round of 32. Uruguay were eliminated in another Bielsa-era group-stage exit, their second consecutive. Cape Verde face holders Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 3.
Why it matters
The result is the most improbable qualification in the expanded 48-team format's first cycle. Cape Verde's advance shows the new group structure creating genuine routes for smaller confederations, while Argentina's path to the final now runs through the tournament's romance story.