With a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia (their third in as many games) , Cape Verde finished second in Group H behind Spain and advanced beyond the group stage in their World Cup debut. They will face defending champions Argentina in the round of 32 on July 3.
It's currently the biggest surprise of this World Cup: with less than 500,000 inhabitants and 67th in the FIFA rankings, the island nation is the smallest to have ever advanced beyond the tournament's group stage . Spain, who had drawn in their opening game against Cape Verde, are first in Group H: beating Uruguay 1-0, they finished with seven points, sealing the elimination of Bielsa's team, who, with two points, have no chance of re-admission.
Group I also wrapped up last night: France beat Norway 4-1 (with a hat-trick from Dembelé) to finish with a perfect record, ahead of the Scandinavians with six points. Senegal (5-0 against Iraq) earned its first three points and will be relegated to the top eight third-placed teams thanks to goal difference.
Iran also has hope, having drawn 1-1 against Egypt in what has been dubbed the "Pride Match" to finish third with three points and as many draws. They are currently sixth among the best third-placed teams, and with three groups still to play, they are not guaranteed a place in the next round, but they have a chance. Egypt, on the other hand, has made its first ever qualification for the knockout stage , finishing the group on five points, tied with Belgium, but second on goal difference thanks to the five goals scored by De Bruyne and his teammates against New Zealand.
The tournament's group stage concludes this evening and into the night with the final matches in Groups J, K, and L, where Argentina, Colombia, Portugal, England, and Ghana are already confirmed for qualification. Tomorrow morning, therefore, we'll know the lineup for the round of 32 .
(Unioneonline/L)
