By Dwayne Ferreira.
Cape Verde stun Uruguay in a 2-2 World Cup thriller as Kevin Pina and Hélio Varela keep the debutants firmly in the Group H qualification race.
Cape Verde stunned Uruguay in a chaotic 2-2 World Cup draw in Miami, earning another famous point and keeping their remarkable debut campaign firmly alive.
The African island nation had already surprised Spain with a goalless draw in their opening Group H fixture. Uruguay began with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, making victory important to both teams.
Cape Verde demonstrated immediately that their opening result was no accident. Kevin Pina produced a superb free kick to give the debutants an unexpected lead and place Uruguay under intense pressure.
Uruguay responded by increasing the tempo and pushing their full-backs higher. Their greater experience gradually became visible as Cape Verde were forced to defend closer to their own penalty area.
Maxi Araújo equalised shortly before halftime, restoring belief among the South American supporters. Uruguay then completed a rapid turnaround when Agustín Canobbio struck to make it 2-1.
The two goals appeared to have transformed the contest. Uruguay entered the interval in front despite being surprised by Cape Verde’s fearless opening.
Cape Verde refused to accept the expected outcome. Their defensive organisation remained strong, while their direct running continued to cause problems whenever Uruguay committed numbers forward.
The equaliser arrived in the 61st minute following a costly misjudgement by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Hélio Varela reacted to the error and converted the opportunity to level the match.
Uruguay dominated much of the remaining possession and pushed for a late winner, but Cape Verde protected the penalty area with determination. Their goalkeeper and defenders repeatedly resisted the pressure.
The match also included contentious decisions and video-review discussions, increasing the sense of disorder around an encounter Uruguay had expected to control.
The final whistle confirmed Cape Verde’s second consecutive draw against a former world champion. The debutants now have two points and remain unbeaten after matches against Spain and Uruguay.
Uruguay also have two points, leaving them behind Spain in the group. Their failure to defeat either Saudi Arabia or Cape Verde has created serious pressure before the final round.
Uruguay face Spain on June 26 in what could become a decisive qualification battle. Cape Verde meet Saudi Arabia simultaneously and know that victory could carry them into the Round of 32.
Cape Verde’s tournament is already historic, but their resilience suggests they are not satisfied merely to participate. After frustrating Spain and recovering against Uruguay, they enter the final match with a genuine opportunity to continue their extraordinary journey.
MATCH SUMMARY
Uruguay – 2
Maxi Araújo
Agustín Canobbio
Cape Verde – 2
Kevin Pina
Hélio Varela 61’
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group H
Venue: Miami Stadium
Result: Draw, 2-2
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