Cape Verde made history by reaching the World Cup finals and are ready to face their dream opponents.
Cape Verde watched their World Cup dream come true on their mobile phones (Image: ITV Sport)
Cape Verde’s remarkable journey continues as they become the smallest African nation to ever reach the World Cup finals. They finished Group H in second place and were set to face reigning champions Argentina in the Round of 32.
The Blue Sharks played a 0-0 stalemate against Saudi Arabia in the final group stage game at Houston Stadium. But even after securing the three points, their fate was still to be decided with Spain taking on Uruguay in Zapopan, Mexico, some 1,320 miles away.
As a result, Cape Verde’s players gathered on the pitch and monitored the final stages of the match on their mobile phones.
Luis de la Fuente’s side needed to hold onto a narrow 1-0 advantage as tensions rose on the Guadalajara stadium turf. Agustín Canobbio was involved in several heated moments, but was sent off in the closing stages for a horror challenge on Pau Kvarsi.
He then verbally abused the referee, forcing his teammates to intervene, and a scuffle ensued with the Spanish bench. The commotion caused the match to be extended even further, with Cape Verde waiting anxiously.
Finally, the referee stopped the collision. With Spain’s victory, Cape Verde leapfrogged Uruguay to finish the group stage in second place and qualify for the Round of 32, where they will face Argentina.
The Blue Sharks immediately erupted in joy, jumping up and down to celebrate the incredible feat, and many of the players were later photographed looking emotional with their families.
Cape Verde will play Argentina in the Round of 32 of the World Cup
Cape Verde are unbeaten in all three games, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just two goals, and will go into the last 32 full of confidence and belief.
This record will be severely tested by Lionel Messi, who is now fully fit with the Argentina national team, and it has been confirmed that he will only play part of the second half of the final group game against Jordan.
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