Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia in Houston during the early hours of Saturday morning in World Cup Group H with both teams hoping to reach the knockout stages.
The Blue Sharks have been one of the success stories of the group stage after holding heavyweights Spain to a goalless draw and also taking a point off Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia drew with La Celeste in their opening game before losing 4-0 to Spain but can still progress with a victory.
The Green Falcons last reached the knockouts in 1994 while Cape Verde are making their World Cup debut and stand on the brink of history.
While Saudi Arabia must win to go through, a draw would be enough for Cape Verde should Uruguay lose to Spain.
Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia Tips Summary
Best Bet - Cape Verde to win @ 13/8
Alternative Bet - Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5
Bet Builder - Both teams to score, Dailon Livramento anytime goalscorer & Over seven corners @ 7/1
Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia Prediction
Best Bet: Cape Verde to win @ 13/8
Cape Verde shocked the planet on their World Cup debut, denying Spain in their opening game to earn a point.
The 2010 champions were huge favourites going into that contest but veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who turned 40 a week before the tournament started, produced an inspired display for Cape Verde, keeping a clean sheet as the match finished goalless.
In their next game against Uruguay, the Blue Sharks showed they could also produce the goods at the other end of the pitch, taking the lead and then coming from behind in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Lauded for the fight and character they have shown, Bubista’s team will head into Saturday’s match with Saudi Arabia full of confidence and knowing they can create history by reaching the knockout stages at their first World Cup.
Cape Verde have lost only one game in 15 and so have built the momentum required to earn another positive result, whether that’s a victory or a third draw on the spin.
Saudi Arabia were well beaten against Spain and have lost five of their last eight matches. The Green Falcons may struggle to get the better of an emboldened Cape Verde.
Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5
Both nations have a chance of reaching the last 32 of the World Cup and so Saturday’s match in Houston could be an open encounter between two sides throwing caution to the wind.
Cape Verde have kept three clean sheets in four games but Bubista may urge his team to play an expansive style in order to create chances and put Saudi Arabia under pressure.
The Blue Sharks scored six goals across two friendly matches against Serbia and Bermuda during the build-up to the World Cup and proved they know where the net is in the score draw with Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia have scored in four of their last six matches and, despite Vozinha’s impressive showing against Spain, will feel they can get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
Backing over 2.5 goals as the two teams push to advance to the knockout stages could prove a smart play.
Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia Bet Builder Tip
Both teams to score
Dailon Livramento anytime goalscorer
Over seven corners
Pays 7/1
Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia were unfancied in a group with Spain and Uruguay but it is all to play for in the third and final round of Group H matches. Both teams will likely attack in numbers and create opportunities to score.
Dailon Livramento led the line for Cape Verde in the draw with Spain and will hope chances fall his way against Saudi Arabia.
The forward, who spent last season on loan at Casa Pia in Portugal, netted the winner against Cameroon in World Cup qualifying and opened the scoring in the 3-0 victory over Eswatini.
Livramento also equalised in a friendly defeat by Chile in March and will likely be his side’s main goal threat on Saturday.
Cape Verde earned a total of five corners against Spain and Uruguay, conceding 22. Saudi also recorded six, facing 20.
With those numbers in mind, backing over seven corners when the sides meet in Houston could be the way to go.
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Key Match Stats
Cape Verde have drawn their opening two matches at World Cup finals
Saudi Arabia have gone out in the group stage on each of their last five appearances at the World Cup
The Blue Sharks have scored in six of their last seven games, a run that dates back to November.
The Green Falcons beat Argentina 2-1 during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup
This will be the first meeting between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia
View details of how to watch Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia on site.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
