Cape Verde's World Cup success isn't just for them -- it's for every soccer fan to enjoy - ESPN

HOUSTON — It's a wonder of soccer that a 0-0 draw between teams ranked 59th and 64th in the FIFA world rankings could set off celebrations not only inside NRG Stadium (and a big drum party in a strip mall across the street) but also in Massachusetts, Rotterdam and a small island nation off the coast of West Africa.

The celebrations were for Cape Verde, which became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds Friday night. Their 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia clinched second place in Group H, ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia; what started as a fun story with their 0-0 draw against Spain — a result that made 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha an overnight sensation — will continue with an elimination match against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

«I don't think any of us dreamed of this,» Vozinha said after Friday's match. «But we know we have a lot of quality. Qualifying for the next round today is extremely rewarding for us. It's a dream for any player to play against Argentina and against Messi.»

After their match ended, Cape Verde's players huddled around a phone to make sure Spain saw off their 1-0 win over Uruguay. «I almost wanted to cry,» midfielder Deroy Duarte said. «It was so emotional. Everybody was just waiting and praying and hoping that the result was good. It was a very special moment. [Something] I've never felt on the pitch. And I hope we can feel the same feeling in the next game.»

An unforgettable moment for Cape Verde and its fans