Cape Verde have etched their name in football history by becoming the smallest country ever to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup. The African island nation secured their place in the round of 32 after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match.
Cape Verde's Historic Achievement
Three draws from three group games saw Cape Verde finish second in Group H behind Spain, edging out Uruguay on goal difference. The result means Cape Verde will face Argentina in Miami on July 3, a monumental clash for the tiny nation with a population of around 560,000.
The match against Saudi Arabia was a tense affair with few clear-cut chances. Both teams struggled to create opportunities, but the vital point was enough for Cape Verde to make history. According to FIFA, Cape Verde's population is the smallest of any nation to reach the knockout stage in the tournament's history.
Spain Edge Uruguay in Fiery Encounter
At the same time, Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara to top Group H. The match was a fiery encounter, with Uruguay desperate to avoid a second-straight group-stage exit. However, Spain were the more comfortable team throughout.
Shortly before half-time, Alex Baena guided the ball into the bottom corner despite the best efforts of Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Uruguay lost Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte to injury shortly afterwards; he was stretchered off after colliding with one of his own teammates.
The chaotic final few minutes saw multiple yellow cards handed out as Uruguay pushed for an equaliser. Midfielder Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card at the start of added time as Uruguay were knocked out of the tournament.
Belgium Cruise Past New Zealand
Romelu Lukaku's late header secured top spot in Group G as Belgium cruised into the last 32 with a 5-1 win over New Zealand in Vancouver. The Red Devils dominated from the outset, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne adding a goal of his own.
Belgium are due to face a third-placed group team in Seattle on Wednesday, while New Zealand will head home without a World Cup win. According to match statistics, Belgium had 68% possession and 15 shots on target compared to New Zealand's 3.
Iran's Late Heartbreak Against Egypt
Shojae Khalilzadeh's stoppage-time winner was overruled for offside as Iran were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Egypt. The game was a tug-of-war affair, with Iran getting increasingly desperate as Belgium's win over New Zealand put pressure on them to secure a victory and improve their chances of progression.
It looked like they had pulled off a miracle when a stoppage-time free kick led to a Khalilzadeh goal. However, a lengthy VAR review ruled he was offside by the smallest of margins, and Iran were unable to find a winner before full-time.
The result sees Egypt progress to a clash with Australia, while Iran face a nervous wait to see if the remaining group stage results fall in their favour. Additional reporting by Press Association.
