Cape Verde's remarkable World Cup journey continues after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia secured their place in the knockout stages and a last-32 showdown against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The tiny island nation of 530,000 people erupted in joy at the final whistle, as players and fans celebrated one of the tournament's most compelling underdog stories in decades.
Emotional scenes after full-time
Immediately after the match, Cape Verde's players formed a huddle around head coach Bubista, straining to watch a mobile phone for confirmation of their qualification. When the result from Guadalajara, nearly 1,000 miles away, was confirmed, the squad erupted in unfathomable joy. Dailon Livramento leapt onto the back of teammate Diney Borges, and everyone embraced the nearest person. Flags representing the islands, with their 10 stars made famous during this run, were waved by fans including Ana Cândida Évora, mother of star goalkeeper Vozinha. The entire squad stayed long enough to pose for photographs in front of a disbelieving support, drumming and singing into the night.
Vozinha: The 40-year-old sensation
Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, has become a sensation both in real life and online since his display that thwarted Spain. Playing in the São Vicente island league at age 29, he will now face Messi, the tournament's highest all-time goalscorer. The meeting between the veteran shot-stopper and the Argentine superstar is set to be one for the history books. Saudi Arabia barely tested Vozinha, who dealt with a couple of hairy moments with the ball at his feet. When Mohammed Kanno planted a header into his midriff shortly before half-time, it was one of his less eye-catching stops, but the crowd roared nonetheless. As the match neared its conclusion, Abdullah al-Hamdaan worked space 15 yards out but aimed too close, leading some to believe a force field surrounds Vozinha this month.
Handling the pressure
Bubista's side handled the assignment maturely, though they should have beaten a Saudi Arabia team that turned in a pale, vapid display. The risk of a Saudi side drawn from the lavishly funded local league, with lessons from expensive imports, never materialized. Cape Verde had the chances to make sure, with Nuno da Costa missing the best of several openings, brilliantly stopped by Mohammed al-Owais. Kevin Pina, their free-kick scorer against Uruguay, came close from range and was a snapping presence in midfield all night. The team seemed more hungry throughout, and a goal of their own would have finished the job.
Criticism of Saudi Arabia
While Cape Verde celebrated, the Saudis offered little. It would have been a travesty if they spoiled the party, and questions remain about what is being nurtured by the state's multibillion investment in the sport. Their display was among the most bereft of personality over the five and a half weeks. The 2034 hosts' football team appears to need alternative energy, despite the heavy advertising of Fifa's partner Aramco.
What's next: Argentina clash
Cape Verde's reward is a date with Argentina in Miami on Friday. Romantics will be scrambling for the remote to see Pico Lopes, the Shamrock Rovers defender enlisted via LinkedIn, share a platform with Julián Álvarez. An epochal moment could come if captain Ryan Mendes, 36, playing in Turkey's second tier, finds a way past Emiliano Martínez. As the team proved, nothing is impossible. Vozinha against Messi; the dreamers against the doyens. Make it a date.
