Cape Verde made history as they finished runners-up in Group H to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
The Blue Sharks finished in second place on three points in their debut tournament, a point above two-time winners Uruguay and 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia.
Bubista’s side will face defending champions Argentina in the last 32 at Miami Stadium on Friday, 3 July.
Cape Verde looked most likely to score, with Willy Semedo’s shot well-saved at the near post, before he smashed another effort wide.
Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Al Tambakti fell to the floor with no other players around him and had to be taken off on a stretcher with half an hour played.
Shortly after the break, Kevin Pina’s shot from outside the box narrowly missed the top corner as Cape Verde looked to open the scoring.
With 15 minutes remaining, Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais kept his side’s hopes alive when he thwarted a shot from Laros Duarte who was running clear through on goal.
But in the end Cape Verde advanced to set up a monumental match with Argentina in just under a week, as they became the third African nation to remain unbeaten in the group stages on their tournament debut.
Analysis: Fairytale continues for Blue Sharks
As the final whistle blew in their game, the Cape Verde players crowded around a phone to see the conclusion of the Uruguay match against Spain. There were joyous scenes when it was confirmed that their World Cup adventure would continue, thanks to Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat.
The Blue Sharks, 67th in Fifa’s rankings, drew with past World Cup winners Spain and Uruguay in a group that few would have expected them to get out of before a ball was kicked.
A nation of just 525,000 inhabitants has gained many more fans on this brilliant journey so far, reminding people of the joy football can bring.
They are the first African debutants to advance from the World Cup group stage since Ghana in 2006, and there is no doubt that Lionel Messi’s Argentina will face a tough challenge against them.
Speaking after the match, Cape Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte said: “Honestly, it’s mad. I feel like I’m in a dream.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup.
“To be man of the match and make history is something I could never have imagined.
“First, let’s celebrate. We’re so happy. Let’s hope all Cape Verdeans are happy too. From tomorrow, we’ll focus on the next match.
“It’s against Argentina, isn’t it? A tough match, but let’s believe. Anything is possible.”
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