Cape Verde make five changes for Group H clash with Saudi Arabia

Cape Verde will field a significantly altered team for their crucial Group H World Cup match against Saudi Arabia on Friday in Houston. Coach Rui Vitória has opted for five changes, notably bringing Joao Paulo into midfield to replace Sidny Lopes Cabral.

Telmo Arcanjo is unavailable for the match after sustaining an injury during Cape Verde's previous game against Uruguay. Saudi Arabia also makes adjustments, with midfielder Mohamed Kanno returning to the squad and captain Salem Aldawsari set to lead the attack.

The stakes are high for all four nations in Group H. Spain currently leads the group with four points from two matches, followed by Uruguay with two. Cape Verde also holds two points, while Saudi Arabia has one. This scenario means that any of the four teams can still advance to the next stage of the tournament, making this fixture a must-win for several contenders.

The confirmed lineups are: Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Alowais; Abdulelah Alamri, Hassan Altambakti, Nawaf Bu Washl, Saud Abdulhamid; Nasser Aldawsari, Abdullah Alkhaibari, Mohamed Kanno; Feras Albrikan, Salem Aldawsari, Sultan Mandash. Cape Verde: Vozinha; Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Wagner Pina; Kevin Pina, Joao Paulo, Jamiro Monteiro, Deroy Duarte, Willy Semedo; Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes.