Group H

Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Spain 1-0 Uruguay

Cape Verde advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their debut appearance, becoming the smallest nation by population to ever achieve the feat.

The Blue Sharks secured their place in the round of 32 with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

The result, combined with Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the other Group H match, ensured Cape Verde finished second in the group and progressed.

Cape Verde controlled more of the ball in the opening stages, while the Saudis sat deep and looked to hit on the counter-attack.

The match was further disrupted midway through the first half when defender Hassan Al Tambakti was stretchered off with an injury and replaced by Ali Lajami.

While the goalless draw played out in Houston, drama unfolded elsewhere as Uruguay exited the tournament.

Spain took the lead in the 42nd minute through a major error by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who let Alex Baena’s shot slip through his hands and into the net.The result left Spain top of the group with seven points.

Cape Verde finished with three points in second place, while Uruguay ended with two points in third. Saudi Arabia, with just one point, were eliminated.

Cape Verde’s remarkable run marks a historic milestone for the island nation of just over half a million people, proving that at the World Cup, heart and organisation can overcome size.