Cape Verde got the coveted knockout spot, Uruguay crashed after defeating Spain

Cape Verde completed a fairytale run to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw on Friday, while Uruguay crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Group H decider.

In their World Cup debut, Cape Verde progressed to the round of 32 after finishing second in the group with three points and drawing all three matches. Spain topped Group H with seven points, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated with two points each.

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Cape Verde entered the final round of group matches knowing that a draw against Saudi Arabia would do if Uruguay failed to beat Spain. The African nation did their part with a disciplined defensive display in Houston to frustrate Saudi Arabia, who needed a win to keep their elimination hopes alive.

The match offered few clear-cut chances, although Cape Verde looked the more threatening side for long spells. Laros Duarte squandered their best opportunity when he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, who made a crucial save to keep Saudi Arabia in the match. The Saudis, meanwhile, rarely threatened in attack and exited the tournament having scored just once in three group stage matches.

In the other Group H game, Spain secured top spot thanks to Alex Baena’s 42nd-minute strike after a costly mistake by Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The veteran failed to muster what appeared to be a routine effort and let the ball slip through his hands into the net.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa responded by replacing the 40-year-old Muslera with Sergio Rochet at half-time. The Argentine also pulled off Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde in the 58th minute as Uruguay looked for an equaliser.

Uruguay improved after the break but were unable to find a way past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, who made important saves to deny Mathias Olivera and Nicolas de la Cruz. At the other end, Ferran Torres hit the crossbar as Spain looked to put the result beyond doubt.

Agustin Canobbio’s red card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi summed up Uruguay’s frustrations on a night when the two-time world champions saw their campaign end. They finished the group stage without a win after drawing with Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde before losing to Spain.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

Jun 27, 2026 07:48 IST