Cape Verde Reach Last 32 After Goalless Draw With Saudi Arabia
A 0-0 draw at NRG Stadium in Houston was enough for Cape Verde to finish second in Group H and advance to the round of 32, while Saudi Arabia exit the tournament.
C ape Verde secured their place in the round of 32 with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 26. The point was all the Blue Sharks needed to confirm second place in Group H.
Neither side found the net across 90 minutes in a tightly contested match. Cape Verde, knowing a draw would be enough to advance, defended resolutely. Saudi Arabia needed a win to stay in the competition but were unable to break down a disciplined Blue Sharks side.
The result confirms Cape Verde's place in the knockout stage with three points from Group H. For Saudi Arabia, the final group game ended a campaign that yielded two points but not enough to progress.
Cape Verde advance as runners-up in Group H. Saudi Arabia are eliminated.