Overview

• The Blue Sharks won 3-0 in Praia, with goals from Dailon Livramento (48'), Willy Semedo (54') and Stopira (90+1').
• Cabo Verde finished atop CAF Group D with 23 points from 10 matches, compiling seven wins, two draws and one loss.
• The country becomes the smallest by territory ever to reach a World Cup and the second least-populated to qualify, behind Iceland.
• Authorities declared a half-day holiday for the match as tickets sold out rapidly at outlets including gas stations, a bakery and the stadium.
• Coach Pedro “Bubista” Leitão Brito leads a squad shaped by diaspora recruitment—14 of the latest 25 call-ups were born abroad—with a market value of about €27.2 million.