The Cape Verde players and their head coach, Bubista, huddled round a mobile phone, watching the closing stages of Uruguay’s defeat to Spain. They erupted en masse upon learning the outcome. A few moments earlier, they had drawn 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in Houston – a third consecutive draw that, improbably and magnificently, made them runners-up in Group H and sent them into the World Cup’s last 32.
“For a few days at least, the Blue Sharks can scent Argentinian blood,” wrote Nick Ames from Houston. What a scene they presented at the end. The draw with Saudi Arabia was not enough on its own; Cape Verde needed Uruguay to lose. When Spain’s victory was confirmed, the celebrations began.
“Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and qualified for the World Cup last 32 after Uruguay lost to Spain, setting up a clash with Lionel Messi.”
Now they can look ahead to a last-32 meeting with Lionel Messi and company in Miami. “Messi’s meeting with this World Cup’s new cult hero, the goalkeeper Vozinha, could be one for the ages,” Ames added. For a team that had never previously advanced beyond the group stage, Cape Verde’s achievement is historic. They will face Argentina with nothing to lose, and a mobile phone that has already delivered the most dramatic moment of their footballing lives.