Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, scored a second-half equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami on Sunday. The result follows their shock opening stalemate with Spain, giving the African island nation two points in Group H.
First Half: Cape Verde Stun Uruguay
Cape Verde took a surprise 21st-minute lead when Kevin Pina scored their first World Cup goal from a free-kick, driving the ball through a poor Uruguay wall and past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Uruguay responded strongly, equalizing in the 44th minute when Sidney Lopes Cabral headed against his own post under pressure from Rodrigo Bentancur, and Maximiliano Araujo nodded in the rebound. In the sixth minute of first-half added time, Agustin Canobbio turned in Araujo's header across goal on the volley to give Uruguay a 2-1 lead.
Second Half: Muslera Error Lets Cape Verde Back In
Uruguay appeared in control early in the second half until the 61st minute, when Muslera inexplicably raced out of his goal. Cape Verde substitute Helio Varela took full advantage, controlling the ball with an excellent first touch and rolling it into an empty net for the equalizer. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, hero of the draw with Spain, fumbled to allow Araujo a tap-in later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Impact on Group H Standings
Cape Verde have two points from two matches, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive. They face Saudi Arabia in their final group game next Saturday, knowing victory would secure a last-32 berth. Saudi Arabia were thumped 4-0 by Spain earlier Sunday. Two-time world champions Uruguay have only one point after being held 1-1 by Saudi Arabia in their opener. Their hopes of progressing are in serious danger, and they may need to beat European champions Spain next weekend to avoid a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit.
Team Changes and Key Moments
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes to the team that drew with Saudi Arabia, dropping striker Darwin Nunez to the bench. Cape Verde coach Bubista made three alterations, all in attacking positions. Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde drilled a left-footed shot wide early on and later blazed a late free-kick over the bar from just outside the box, leaving Uruguay on the brink of a hugely disappointing exit.
