Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup debut continued with a stunning 2-2 draw against Uruguay, leaving the two-time world champions facing a tense final Group H showdown against Spain.
The tournament newcomers shocked Uruguay by taking the lead through Kevin Pina, who scored Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal with a cleverly struck free kick. Uruguay responded through Maxi Araújo before Agustín Canobbio headed the South Americans into a 2-1 halftime lead.
Cape Verde refused to back down and drew level in the second half when Hélio Varela capitalised on a costly mistake involving veteran Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Uruguay thought they had found a winner late on, but an Araújo goal was ruled out for offside.
The result follows Cape Verde’s surprise 0-0 draw with Spain in their opening match, meaning the African nation remains unbeaten at its first-ever World Cup and is still firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32.
For Uruguay, the draw represents a major setback. Marcelo Bielsa’s side now heads into a crucial final group match against Spain needing a positive result to keep its knockout-stage hopes alive.
Cape Verde will face Saudi Arabia in its final group fixture, knowing another strong performance could complete one of the biggest underdog stories of the tournament.
