Cape Verde's Helio Varela Calls World Cup Debut Goal a Dream After Uruguay Draw

Cape Verde continued their surprising run in the 2026 World Cup by holding traditional powerhouse Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in their second Group H match. The African nation had previously held Spain to a goalless draw in their opening game, further establishing themselves as a team capable of causing upsets.

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I have dreamed of this, but I never imagined it would happen like this. Scoring my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is truly incredible. I can't put it into words.

The hero of the match for Cape Verde was Helio Varela, who scored the crucial equalizing goal. This marked Varela's debut in the World Cup and his first goal for the national team, a moment he described as a dream come true. "I have dreamed of this, but I never imagined it would happen like this. Scoring my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is truly incredible. I can't put it into words," Varela stated, according to FIFA.

Cape Verde's coach, Bubista, expressed immense pride in his players' performance. He attributed the hard-fought draw against a strong Uruguayan side to the team's courage and relentless fighting spirit throughout the game. "I want to congratulate the team and everyone on how we played, with all our hearts. We finished the match with many difficulties, with many players experiencing cramps," Bubista said.

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I want to congratulate the team and everyone on how we played, with all our hearts. We finished the match with many difficulties, with many players experiencing cramps.

Despite facing significant pressure at various points in the match, Bubista noted that his players never faltered in their attacking intent or their desire to secure a victory. "But our team was brave throughout the match, always trying to win the game, and that makes us very happy. We trust all our players. We always make changes, and our team continues to approach the game with a desire to win and with good organization. We must be happy with what we have achieved today," he added.

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But our team was brave throughout the match, always trying to win the game, and that makes us very happy. We trust all our players. We always make changes, and our team continues to approach the game with a desire to win and with good organization. We must be happy with what we have achieved today.