Cape Verde one result from the last 16, Saudi Arabia up Thursday

A historic knockout spot is one result away

Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia on Thursday and the equation is simple: a result sends the Tubarões Azuis into the round of 16 in their debut World Cup (1). After holding Spain 0–0 and drawing Uruguay 2–2, Bubista's side sit on the brink of something the nation has never seen. Vozinha, Ryan Mendes, Márcio Moreno, the squad that delivered those two results will be called on again.

Two former world champions, two draws

The 0–0 against Spain set the tone (2). Cape Verde did not sit deep and pray. They defended with shape and intent, frustrating a team that walked in as heavy favorites. No one saw that coming.

Kevin Pina's free-kick against Uruguay, the nation's first ever World Cup goal, capped a 2–2 draw that confirmed Cape Verde were not here to make up numbers. The celebrations back home lasted into the early morning. Saudi Arabia, coached by Georgios Donis and led by Salem Al-Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno, now stand between your team and a place in the knockout rounds.

Fan reactions

The confidence among Cape Verde supporters online is unmistakable. Two games against world champions, two draws, and the belief that Saudi Arabia are beatable. Fans are already daring to dream about what the round of 16 could look like, and nobody wants this ride to end.