Cape Verde makes World Cup history in Houston

Houston's World Cup group stage matches ended with a memorable underdog story: Cape Verde advanced to the knockout rounds after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia Friday night.

Why it matters: The tiny island nation off Africa's west coast became the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds — and Houston got to be the stage for that history.

The vibe: Cape Verde needed everything to fall into place, including Spain beating Uruguay in a simultaneous match. After the final whistle, players huddled around a phone to check the Spain-Uruguay result before erupting in jubilation as they clinched a top-two finish in their group stage.

Fans — some newly converted Cape Verde supporters during the tournament, they tell Axios — cheered, celebrating the team's historic breakthrough.

Cabo Verde players huddle with team officials after the 0-0 draw. Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

The intrigue: For weeks before the World Cup, Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia was one of the tournament's cheapest tickets.

By matchday, demand had surged after Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, went viral for his standout performance against Spain.

What they're saying: "We represent our island, but we also represent Africa," the team's coach Bubista said at a press conference. "This shows that even the smallest countries can prove that nothing is impossible."

The coach added that they are proud to play Argentina next.

What's next: The city now turns to hosting knockout rounds, beginning Monday with Brazil vs. Japan.