World Cup 2026: Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia Player Ratings

Cape Verde made history on Friday night, holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in Houston to secure qualification for the World Cup knockout rounds in their first-ever appearance at the tournament. The Blue Sharks completed an unbeaten group stage campaign after previously drawing with Spain and Uruguay, proving that one of football’s newest World Cup stories is far from over.

Match Report

Needing only a point to guarantee progression, Bubista’s side approached the encounter with discipline and confidence. Saudi Arabia, who required a victory to keep their hopes alive, enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-organized Cape Verde defence.

The Blue Sharks looked the more dangerous side after halftime. Jamiro Monteiro tested Mohammed Al Owais with a fierce strike, while Willy Semedo and Joao Paulo repeatedly found pockets of space in advanced areas. Wagner Pina also came close from distance as Cape Verde sensed a famous victory.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha once again demonstrated his value with several key interventions, notably denying Mohamed Kanno late in the game to preserve another clean sheet. The 40-year-old has become one of the breakout stars of the tournament and was central to Cape Verde’s remarkable run through Group H.

The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations among players and supporters alike as Cape Verde sealed one of the great underdog stories of the 2026 World Cup.

Cape Verde Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Vozinha – 7.4

Another composed and influential display from the veteran goalkeeper. Produced important saves and marshalled his defence superbly.

Defence

Pico – 7.3

Strong in the air and calm in possession throughout the contest.

Diney Borges – 7.5

Cape Verde’s standout defender. Won key duels and rarely put a foot wrong.

Wagner Pina – 6.9

Booked early but recovered well to deliver a disciplined performance.

Joao Paulo – 7.4

Energetic and creative, constantly looking to drive the team forward.

Midfield

Kevin Lenini – 7.2

Shielded the defence effectively and helped control the tempo in midfield.

Deroy Duarte – 7.3

Worked tirelessly between the lines and contributed at both ends of the pitch.

Jamiro Monteiro – 6.0

Had a quieter evening but still produced moments of quality before being substituted.

Attack

Ryan Mendes – 7.1

The captain led by example, pressing relentlessly and linking play intelligently.

Willy Semedo – 6.6

A lively threat on the wing before making way in the second half.

Dailon Livramento – 6.3

Worked hard up front but found chances difficult to come by.

Substitutes

Nuno Da Costa – 7.3

Made a positive impact after replacing Livramento and nearly found a late winner.

Laros Duarte – 7.0

Added composure and energy in midfield.

Garry Rodrigues – 6.7

Provided fresh legs and attacking intent during the closing stages.

Helio Varela – 6.5

Worked hard defensively after coming on.

Steven Moreira – N/A

Introduced in stoppage time to help see out the result.

Verdict

Diney Borges, Vozinha and João Paulo were exceptional as Cape Verde completed an unbeaten group campaign. The Blue Sharks have already captured the imagination of football fans around the world, and their remarkable World Cup adventure now continues into the knockout rounds.