HOUSTON (AP):Tiny Cape Verde defied odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the World Cup knockout round behind the stellar play of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation."We are small," he said. "But we have big hearts and we are fighters."Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw, a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.

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

Cape Verde is through to the World Cup knockout stage in its tournament debut. A 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia sealed an incredible run after holding Spain national football team and…