Cape Verde seal dream knockout berth, Uruguay crash out after Spain defeat
FIFA World Cup: Uruguay's campaign came to a disappointing end on Friday after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, while tournament debutants Cape Verde completed a remarkable journey into the Round of 32 with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
by India Today Sports Desk · India TodayIn Short
- Debutants Cabo Verde booked their place in World Cup Round of 32
- Spain topped Group H with seven points after a 1-0 win over Uruguay
- Uruguay were eliminated after failing to win a single group-stage match
Debutants Cape Verde completed a fairytale run to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw on Friday, while Uruguay crashed out following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the decisive Group H fixtures.
Making their World Cup debut, Cape Verde booked a place in the Round of 32 after finishing second in the group with three points, having drawn all three of their matches. They will now face defending champions Argentina in Miami. Spain topped Group H with seven points, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated with two points each.
Cape Verde entered the final round of group matches knowing a draw would be enough provided Uruguay failed to beat Spain. They did their part with a disciplined display in Houston, frustrating Saudi Arabia, who needed victory to keep their knockout hopes alive.
The match offered few moments of quality, although Cape Verde looked the more threatening side for long spells. Laros Duarte squandered the best chance of the game when he was denied one-on-one by goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, while Willy Semedo also tested the Saudi defence after cutting in from the left. Saudi Arabia's best opportunity came in first-half stoppage time when Mohamed Kanno's header was comfortably gathered by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
Cape Verde continued to push after the break, finishing with 15 attempts, but lacked composure in the final third. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, rarely threatened and exited the tournament having scored just once in three group-stage matches.
As the final whistle sounded in Houston, Cape Verde's players and staff gathered around their phones to follow the closing moments of the other Group H match. Their celebrations erupted once Spain's victory over Uruguay was confirmed, with supporters beating drums as the squad celebrated a historic achievement. Many players remained on the pitch long after the crowd had dispersed, draped in national flags and soaking in the moment for the island nation of around 500,000 people.
SPAIN SEAL TOP SPOT, URUGUAY OUT
Spain secured first place in Group H thanks to Alex Baena's 42nd-minute strike after a costly error from Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The veteran allowed what appeared to be a routine effort to slip through his hands and into the net.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa replaced the 40-year-old Muslera with Sergio Rochet at half-time and later withdrew Federico Valverde as his side searched for an equaliser. Uruguay improved after the restart but were denied by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, who produced important saves to keep out Mathias Olivera and Nicolas de la Cruz. Ferran Torres struck the crossbar at the other end as Spain looked to extend their lead.
Uruguay's frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, capping a disappointing campaign for the two-time world champions. They finished the group stage without a win after drawing with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before losing to Spain.
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