Cape Verde continued their impressive World Cup debut after holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Miami on Sunday. As a result, the African nation remains in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
After drawing with Spain in their opening game, Cape Verde produced another strong performance against the two-time world champions.
Pina Scores Historic Goal
The island nation made a dream start in the 21st minute. Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal with a powerful free-kick.
His effort went through the Uruguay wall and beat goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Earlier in the game, Federico Valverde had tested the Cape Verde defense, but his shot missed the target.
Therefore, Cape Verde took a deserved lead.
Uruguay Fight Back Before Half-Time
Uruguay increased the pressure as the first half progressed. Their efforts finally paid off in the 44th minute.
Sidney Lopes Cabral headed the ball onto his own post while trying to clear a cross. Maximiliano Araujo reacted quickly and scored the rebound.
Just before the break, Uruguay grabbed a second goal. Araujo headed the ball across the box, and Agustin Canobbio volleyed home to make it 2-1.
Consequently, Uruguay went into half-time with the advantage.
Varela Levels the Match
The South Americans controlled possession after the restart. However, the game changed in the 61st minute.
Muslera rushed out of his goal and failed to clear the danger. As a result, substitute Helio Varela collected the ball and calmly scored into an empty net.
The goal gave Cape Verde fresh confidence.
Chances Missed Late On
Uruguay pushed for a winner during the closing stages. At one point, Araujo thought he had scored again after a mistake from goalkeeper Vozinha.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Later, Valverde had a free-kick from just outside the penalty area. Unfortunately for Uruguay, his effort flew over the crossbar.
As the final whistle approached, neither side could find another goal.
Group H Race Remains Open
Cape Verde now have two points from two matches. They will face Saudi Arabia in their final Group H game.
A victory would send the World Cup debutants into the last 32.
Meanwhile, Uruguay are under serious pressure. The South Americans also drew with Saudi Arabia in their opening match.
Therefore, Marcelo Bielsa’s team may need to defeat Spain in their final group game to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
