Cape Verde become smallest country to make World Cup knockouts

Cape Verde become smallest country to make World Cup knockouts

Cape Verde has become the smallest nation in the history of the men's World Cup to reach the knockout stage. The African archipelago, representing a population of around 525,000, secured its place in the round of 32 after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The "Blue Sharks" advanced by drawing all three of their group-stage matches. This improbable run included a 0-0 draw against 2010 champion Spain and a 2-2 result against Uruguay. While drawing every group game does not always guarantee progression — New Zealand was eliminated after three draws in 2010 — other teams such as Chile in 1998, Ireland and the Netherlands in 1990, and Wales in 1958 have previously advanced in similar fashion.

Despite the draw against Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium, Cape Verde's fate remained uncertain until the conclusion of Group H's other fixture in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Cape Verdean players huddled on the field and monitored the match between Spain and Uruguay on their phones. They required Spain to maintain a slim lead to leapfrog Uruguay in the standings.

Spain eventually won the encounter 1-0, with Alex Baena scoring shortly before half-time. The match in Guadalajara turned volatile in the final minutes as Uruguay fought for an equalizer. Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off after a collision with a teammate, and Agustin Canobbio received a straight red card in added time for a studs-up tackle on Spain's Pau Cubarsi. Spain's victory ensured Cape Verde finished second in the group, while Uruguay was eliminated.

The achievement marks a milestone for the nation, a former Portuguese colony until 1975. Cape Verde entered the tournament after winning its African qualification group, finishing ahead of Cameroon.

A central figure in this run has been 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. He recorded three critical saves against Saudi Arabia, stopping efforts from Mohamed Kanno, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan. Vozinha's rise has been unconventional; he turned professional at age 26 and played in the Portuguese second tier last season. His tournament performance has seen his Instagram following grow to 16.8 million.

The tournament also featured a personal victory for Vozinha. His mother, Ana Candida Evora, missed the opening game against Spain due to visa issues, which left the goalkeeper in tears after that match. Following intervention by U.S. Politicians, she was able to travel to America and attend the final two group games.

"I want to thank all the fans, everyone who helped in the process, for the support you gave to the team, especially to Cabo Verde,"

Ana Candida Evora, mother of Vozinha, via AOL

In other group action, Belgium secured the top spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard scored twice and Kevin De Bruyn added one, before Romelu Lukaku scored a late header. Belgium will face a third-placed group team in Seattle on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Egypt progressed to a match against Australia after forcing a 1-1 draw with Iran. Iran appeared to have won the match in stoppage time through a goal by Shojae Khalilzadeh, but a VAR review ruled the player offside. Iran must now wait on other group results to determine if they advance.

Cape Verde's historic run continues on July 3, when they will face reigning World Cup champion Argentina and Lionel Messi in Miami.