[Anchor]
Cape Verde, appearing on the World Cup stage for the first time in history, has caused a sensation by remaining undefeated and advancing to the knockout stage. The small African island nation, with a population of 520,000, has also written a new chapter in history as the smallest nation by population to reach the tournament's knockout phase.
Reporter Hong Seok-jun has the story.
[Reporter]
Having gained confidence from draws against Spain and Uruguay, Cape Verde put up a strong fight against Saudi Arabia as well.
They dominated the game, leading in possession and firing 15 shots, more than double that of their opponents.
With goalkeeper Vozinha, who has emerged as the tournament's biggest star with his "save shows" in every match, anchoring the defense, Cape Verde finished the group stage with a 0-0 draw, securing 3 points from three draws.
The Cape Verde players and fans, who had finished their match earlier, nervously watched the Spain versus Uruguay game in their group on their mobile phones. When Spain won two minutes later, confirming Cape Verde's place in the knockout stage as the runner-up of Group H, they erupted in cheers.
Vozinha's mother, who was watching from the stands, jumped for joy, and one fan even shed tears of emotion.
The capital city of Praia, where many citizens had gathered for street cheering, was also swept up in a frenzy of excitement.
Cape Verde will now face Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in the Round of 32.
[Interview: Bubista / Cape Verde Head Coach: Our goal is to make Cape Verde known to the world. I am certain that no matter what happens in the Round of 32 match against Argentina, the people will feel deep satisfaction and happiness.]
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Belgium, led by Trossard who scored two goals, defeated New Zealand and advanced to the Round of 32 as the winner of Group G.
If we advance to the Round of 32, we will compete against Belgium next Thursday for a spot in the Round of 16.
Reported by Hong Seok-jun | Video by Park Ki-deok | Graphics by Seo Seung-hyun
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