Cape Verde Sets World Cup Record as Smallest Nation to Reach Knockout Stage

HOUSTON (AP) — Cape Verde sealed an unlikely passage through the group phase at the World Cup after a third consecutive stalemate, a goalless affair against Saudi Arabia on Friday night that made the Atlantic archipelago the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament's knockout bracket.

The West African island state is competing at the global finals for the first time. Earlier in the group, it shared a 0-0 scoreline with 2010 winners Spain before rallying from a deficit to salvage a 2-2 tie with Uruguay.

With three points from those results, Cape Verde finished second in the standings behind Spain, who defeated Uruguay on the same night to top the section.

The side next meets defending champions Argentina in Miami on July 3.