Both Spain and Uruguay are fancied to go a long way in the tournament and it's hard to imagine their group opponents disrupting their progress. But disrupted it was.
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Spain
Cabo Verde
Few commentators expected much in the way of surprises at this stage of the tournament, but what Cabo Verde achieved on a warm Atlanta afternoon defies belief. They took on the European champions with fierce determination and a defiant spirit that carried them through to a memorable result. Spain enjoyed the lion's share of possession but the 40 year-old goalkeeper was in magnificant form and time after time he pulled off terrific saves to keep La Rojas out.
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Abdulelah al Amri poked the ball home four minutes from half time after the Uruguayan 'keeper parried Hassan al Tambakti's fierce header. In the second half the South Americans swept forward looking level the score. Al Owais was defiant in the Saudi goal, making nine saves, but he could only push the ball into the path of Araujo following Vinas' headed goal attempt to concede the equalising goal.
Following the result in Atlanta earlier this group is now delicately poised.
Saudi Arabia
After the disappointment of their draw with Cabo Verde Spain were in no mood to take prisoners and they stormed into a three-goal lead by half-time, all scored fom close range. In the 49th minute Marc Cucurella’s fierce shot struck Mohammed Alowais in the Saudi goal and ricocheted off Hassan Altambakti who had no time to react and the ball finished in the Saudi net.
Uruguay
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde's fairy tale World Cup continued with another draw against a former champion. The Blue Sharks took a shock lead when Kevin Pina fired a free-kick through a gap in the defensive wall from 34 meters. Uruguay hit back with two goals at the end of the first half from Araujo (44) and Canobbio (45+6). In the 61st minute Varela took advantage of a defensive error to equalise. Uruguay pressed for the rest of the match but could not break down Cabo Verde's defence.
Cabo Verde
Saudi Arabia
Unbeaten in their three group matches, Cabo Verde made history by qualifying for the knock out stage on their debut, finishing in second place behind Spain and one point ahead of Uruguay. In truth they deserved this as they had looked the most likely to score throught the game. The Blue Sharks will play World Champions Argentina in the Round of 32.
Uruguay
Spain
After Uruguay had the best of the first half an error by their veteran goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera allowed Spain to take the lead through Baena. This was Muslera's third critical mistake in as many games and he was substituted at half-time. Spain were well in control in the second half and to finish off Uruguay's miserable World Cup, Agustin Canobbio was sent off in injury time for a high tackle. With ony two points in the bag the South American team failed to make the cut for third placed teams.
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