New Delhi, June 27 -- Cabo Verde scripted history at Houston as the debutants secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockouts berth after playing a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in their final group H encounter on Saturday. Cabo Verde thus became the first team after Chile in 1998 to enter the FIFA World Cup knockouts with three draws in the group stage.

Cabo Verde's qualification into the round of 32 came after former champions Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in the other match of the group at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. With two wins and a draw, Spain topped the group with seven points, while Cabo Verde finished on three points.

Uruguay and Saudi Arabia finished on third and fourth spots with two points each and are eliminate...