Cape Verde wrote another chapter in their first World Cup campaign in Houston on Friday, battling through the knockout rounds for the first time to set up a dream clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
The small Atlantic islands drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia to take second place in Group H and advance to the round of 32 where they will face defending champions Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 3.
Cape Verde’s third draw in a row made them finish the group with three points, behind European champions Spain who secured first place by beating Uruguay 1-0.
Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay, who were shocked by Cape Verde in a 2-2 draw last Sunday in their second game, were eliminated from the tournament with just two points.
The Group H results brought more clarity to the knockout stage, ensuring that England, Portugal, Ghana, Egypt and Paraguay will also progress.
Earlier on Friday, France highlighted the tournament with another impressive attacking performance, beating Norway 4-1 to go top of Group I.
