Cape Verde fight back for second World Cup draw against Uruguay

World Cup debutants Cape Verde fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay in Miami Gardens on Sunday. This result follows their surprising opening stalemate with Spain and marks their second point in Group H, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the knockout phase. Kevin Pina etched his name in history by scoring Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal with a stunning free-kick in the 21st minute. However, Uruguay quickly responded, scoring twice before halftime through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio. The turning point came just after the hour mark when a costly mistake by veteran Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera allowed Helio Varela to equalize for Cape Verde. Neither team could find a winning goal, leaving Uruguay in a precarious position. The African island nation now faces Saudi Arabia in their final group game, with a victory guaranteeing a spot in the last 32. Meanwhile, Uruguay, who previously drew with Saudi Arabia, may need to defeat European champions Spain to avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit.

“

World Cup debutants Cape Verde scored a second-half equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uruguay on Sunday in Miami, backing up their shock opening stalemate with Spain.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes to his lineup, notably dropping striker Darwin Nunez to the bench. Cape Verde's coach, Bubista, opted for three attacking alterations. Despite Uruguay creating the first chance through Federico Valverde, Cape Verde took the lead against the run of play. Pina's powerful free-kick found its way past Muslera, who was seemingly caught off guard. Uruguay's equalizer came in the 44th minute when Sidney Lopes Cabral's own goal attempt rebounded off the post, and Araujo was on hand to tap in the rebound. Canobbio then completed the turnaround with a volley in first-half added time. The momentum shifted again in the second half when Muslera's uncharacteristic error outside his box allowed Varela to score into an empty net. Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, who was instrumental in the draw against Spain, had an earlier fumble that led to an Araujo goal, but it was disallowed for offside. Real Madrid's Valverde missed a late opportunity to equalize with a free-kick, leaving Uruguay facing a potentially disappointing World Cup exit.

“

Cape Verde took a surprise 21st-minute lead as Kevin Pina scored their first World Cup goal from a free-kick, only for Uruguay to strike twice shortly before half-time through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio.