Cape Verde secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after holding Saudi Arabia to a tense 0-0 draw in their final Group H match on Saturday.
Needing only a point to keep their qualification hopes alive, the World Cup debutants produced another disciplined defensive display to frustrate the Saudis, who entered the match knowing only a victory would keep their tournament alive.
Saudi Arabia pushed for the breakthrough throughout the contest but were repeatedly denied by a resolute Cape Verde defence and goalkeeper Vozinha, who produced several important saves to preserve the deadlock.
Cape Verde also threatened on the counter attack and came close to snatching a winner in the second half as Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Pina tested the Saudi defence, but neither side was able to find the decisive touch in front of goal.
The stalemate, coupled with Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the other Group H fixture, proved enough to send Cape Verde through to the knockout stages as runners up behind Spain, while Saudi Arabia bowed out of the competition.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
