Cape Verde become smallest country to make World Cup knockout stage

Cape Verde have written a remarkable chapter in FIFA World Cup history after becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage of the tournament after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in their group stage finale in Houston on Friday.

The island nation, with a population of just over 600,000, secured qualification from Group H after finishing unbeaten, collecting three points from three draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

“We are small,” said Vozinha, Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation. “But we have big hearts and we are fighters.”

The tournament debutants pulled off one of the World Cup’s biggest surprises by playing pre-tournament favorites Spain to a scoreless draw in its opener. They followed that up by scoring their first goals of the World Cup in a 2-2 tie against Uruguay.

With Friday’s draw, they finish undefeated on three points and take second place in Group H behind 2010 winners Spain and a point ahead of two-time World Cup champions Uruguay.

Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina next up in a round-of-32 matchup in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 3.