Cape Verde has made unprecedented history by reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. The island nation off Africa’s Atlantic Coast drew 0-0 against Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match. This Cape Verde World Cup knockout achievement marks the first time a World Cup debutant has advanced in 20 years.

The accomplishment builds on earlier success. Cape Verde had already made history last October by qualifying for the tournament after topping a group that included traditional African power Cameroon. That feat alone was remarkable for an island nation. However, reaching the knockout stage represents an even greater achievement.

Cape Verde finished second in Group H with three points after three draws. Saudi Arabia finished third with two points, while Uruguay also ended with two points after losing 1-0 to Spain. Spain topped the group with seven points after two wins and one draw.

Ranked No. 67 in the FIFA World Rankings, Cape Verde set up its historic achievement with earlier performances. The team drew 0-0 against Spain, the pre-tournament betting favorite. Therefore, the squad demonstrated it could compete against elite opposition. Now Cape Verde will face defending champion Argentina in Miami Gardens next Friday.

The match against Saudi Arabia showcased Cape Verde’s quality despite the scoreless result. Although Friday’s match ended without a goal, Cape Verde looked the stronger side for much of the game. The team created the best chance of the match in the 74th minute. Nuno da Costa ran onto a long through ball from inside his own half, drove toward two Saudi defenders, and played the ball to his right for Laros Duarte’s run. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais came off his line and stopped Duarte’s first-time shot with his trailing leg.

Cape Verde continued to threaten through da Costa. Minutes after Al-Owais’ save, da Costa got around the corner but sent his shot wide from a tight angle. In second-half stoppage time, he narrowly missed another clear chance.

Saudi Arabia failed to advance from the group stage for a sixth straight World Cup appearance. The Saudis last reached the round of 16 in 1994, their first World Cup tournament. So their streak of early exits continues despite numerous chances.

Before the Cape Verde World Cup knockout breakthrough, Ghana and Ukraine were the last World Cup debutants to advance from the group stage, both doing so in 2006. This means Cape Verde stands alone as the most recent debutant to achieve this feat.

Cape Verde was the third-smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. However, it has now become the smallest nation ever to reach the second phase. This distinction reflects the quality of their squad and the determination shown throughout the tournament.