Cape Verde becomes smallest nation to reach World Cup knockout round

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Cape Verde made history Friday, advancing to the knockout stage in its first World Cup appearance after drawing with Saudi Arabia 0-0 in Houston.

Cape Verde is the smallest nation by population in men's World Cup history to reach the knockout stage (approximately 525,000). The Blue Sharks, who tied Spain and Uruguay in their first two matches, finished second in Group H with three points, one ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Uruguay lost 1-0 to Spain on Friday, and the two-time World Cup winner is heading home after a disappointing group-stage campaign featuring zero wins.

Group H winner Spain will play the Group J runner-up (Austria or Algeria) next.

Cape Verde's incredible run now includes a matchup against mighty Argentina in the round of 32 next Friday. The reigning champion already clinched first place in Group J before its group-stage finale versus Jordan.

The Blue Sharks shocked the soccer world during their World Cup debut by holding Spain to a goalless draw, led by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. The team then scored another point with a 2-2 tie versus Uruguay, quickly becoming a fan favorite in this year's tournament.

Vozinha is only the third goalkeeper with multiple World Cup clean sheets after turning 40 along with Peter Shilton (three) and Dino Zoff (two), according to Opta.

Vozinha, who's currently seeking a new club after his contract with second-division Portuguese side Chaves ended, now faces the toughest test of his soccer career against the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, Lionel Messi.