HOUSTON, June 26 : The sight of Cape Verde’s players huddled around a single mobile phone as they watched the final seconds of Spain’s win over Uruguay before bursting into celebration was the kind of moment FIFA had hoped for in their push for an expanded World Cup.As was the joy in the stands in Houston

The soccer greats — Brazil, England, Spain — have been giving uneven performances out on the pitch during this World Cup. Meanwhile, team from Africa have been relentless.

The nation of just 500,000 people has defied the odds to reach the knockout rounds, delighting Cape Verdeans in Australia.