Cape Verde's Dream Debut Sets Up World Cup Clash With Argentina

Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations ever to reach the World Cup, have qualified for the round of 32 in their tournament debut — and earned a date with Argentina.

The islanders announced themselves with a stunning goalless draw against European champions Spain, who fired in 27 shots without finding a way past goalkeeper Vozinha, named man of the match. They followed it up by holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw, backing up the result that had stunned the football world.

The achievement is among the standout stories of the tournament so far, a genuine fairytale for a country appearing on the game's biggest stage for the first time.

Now Cape Verde face their toughest test yet against an Argentina side brimming with confidence. The knockout meeting pits debutant underdogs against one of the favourites, in exactly the kind of David-versus-Goliath tie the World Cup is built on.