Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterA 48-team World Cup is not perfect in a number of ways - but Cape Verde have been perhaps the strongest rebuttal against complaints about the competition's expansion.Opening the tournament with a goalless draw against hotly-tipped European champions Spain was one of the most pleasant surprises of the tournament so far. Their subsequent 2-2 draw with Uruguay was just as credible, and has now given them a real chance of making it through to the knockout stage.But not if Saudi Arabia have anything to say about it.After the fun of the first couple of weeks' action, the third and final set of World Cup group stage fixtures has been a bit of a disappointment: not enough at stake, too many games where mutually convenient results are possible and inevitably enacted.This game could be an exception to that. A draw definitely wouldn't be enough for Saudi Arabia, who sit bottom of the table with one point. Only a defeat for Marcelo Bielsa's side against Spain in the other group game would mean a draw would be likely to be enough Cape Verde. You may like How to watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia for FREE Uruguay vs Cape Verde prediction: Can World Cup debutants pull off another shock? Spain vs Saudi Arabia prediction as European champions look to achieve lift-off That means that unless Spain open up a commanding lead early, both sides are going to have to go for it in the Group H closer, which is due to kick off at NRG Stadium in Houston at 7pm local time (1am UK time).That gives both side a different kind of challenge to what they have faced so far this tournament, and makes it very difficult to call.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Cape Verde showed last time out that they can offer more than just holding on to try and keep a clean sheet and nick a victory.They went ahead midway through the first half against Uruguay through Kevin Pina, before Helio Varela equalised on the break after an hour.Saudi Arabia likewise went ahead in their opener against Uruguay, only to end up sharing the spoils late on. A much more convincing looking Spain outfit smashed them 4-0, with the Saudis offering almost nothing in response.That means we're leaning slightly towards Cape Verde to show their trademark determination again and get the job done here.Score prediction: Cape Verde 2-1 Saudi ArabiaTOPICSSaudi ArabiaCape Verde IslandsWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
