CAPE Verde wrote a new chapter in their football history after reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time on their tournament debut with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, while Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 to finish top of Group H and condemn the South Americans to another early exit.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Cape Verde finished runners-up in Group H with three points, one ahead of two-time world champions Uruguay and 2034 FIFA World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia. Spain, meanwhile, secured top spot in the group after edging Uruguay through Alex Baena’s decisive first-half strike.
The results mean Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 at Miami Stadium on Friday, July 3, while Spain progress as Group H winners and will take on the runners-up from Group J. Uruguay, however, crashed out after suffering a second consecutive World Cup group-stage elimination.
Cape Verde make history on World Cup debut
Knowing a point would be enough to secure qualification, Cape Verde delivered another disciplined display to become only the third African nation to remain unbeaten during the group stage on its World Cup debut.
Although the match ended without a goal, Bubista’s side looked the more likely to find a breakthrough throughout the contest.
Willy Semedo came closest in the opening half, first forcing Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais into a smart save at his near post before firing another effort narrowly wide.
Saudi Arabia suffered a major setback midway through the first half when defender Hassan Al Tambakti suddenly collapsed without any player around him and had to be stretchered off the pitch.
Cape Verde continued to threaten after the restart, with Kevin Pina narrowly missing the top corner from long range shortly after the interval.
With 15 minutes remaining, Al Owais produced another outstanding save to deny Laros Duarte, who had broken clear on goal, keeping Saudi Arabia’s hopes alive.
However, the stalemate ultimately favoured Cape Verde, whose historic qualification set up a monumental Round of 32 showdown against defending champions Argentina in just under a week’s time.
In the group’s other decisive fixture, Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 to finish top of Group H, while Marcelo Bielsa’s side bowed out of the tournament after another costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
European champions Spain had effectively secured qualification before kick-off, but Alex Baena’s first-half goal ensured they claimed first place in the group and extended their impressive World Cup campaign.
Uruguay entered the match knowing a positive result would boost their hopes of progression, but defeat left them with just two points from three matches, resulting in a second successive World Cup group-stage exit.
Spain finally broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute after weathering sustained pressure from Uruguay. Baena turned brilliantly inside the penalty area before firing a low effort that Muslera got both hands to but failed to keep out.
The goal sparked furious protests from Uruguay, who believed Spain should have put the ball out of play moments earlier after Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte went down following what appeared to be an innocuous challenge. Ugarte received treatment before leaving the pitch on a stretcher.
Having committed his third error leading directly to a goal in as many group-stage matches, Muslera—making his 137th international appearance—was substituted at half-time, with Sergio Rochet replacing the experienced goalkeeper.
The change did little to alter the balance of the contest as Spain dominated possession throughout the second half, although they were unable to add a second goal.
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, restored to the starting line-up, squandered two excellent chances within two minutes shortly after the first-half hydration break as Uruguay struggled to convert their early superiority into goals.
Although Bielsa’s side mounted a late surge in a desperate bid to rescue their World Cup campaign, they rarely troubled Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Substitute Ferran Torres struck the crossbar late in the contest as Spain comfortably saw out victory to record their second win of the tournament—the first time La Roja have won at least two matches at a World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Uruguay’s miserable evening was compounded in stoppage time when midfielder Agustin Canobbio received a red card for a high challenge on Pau Cubarsi, bringing an end to a disappointing campaign for the two-time world champions.
As Spain march confidently into the knockout rounds as Group H winners, Cape Verde celebrate one of the greatest achievements in their football history, with the debutants now preparing for a blockbuster last-32 encounter against reigning world champions Argentina.