Cape Verde’s fairytale World Cup run continued on Sunday as the debutants fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami, keeping their knockout hopes alive and leaving the two-time champions under real pressure in Group H.
The African side, fresh from their shock draw with Spain, struck first in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina curled a free-kick past the Uruguay wall and into the net for Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Uruguay responded with a strong spell before half-time, turning the match around through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustín Canobbio in a dramatic finish to the opening period that briefly put Marcelo Bielsa’s side in control.
Uruguay national football team looked set to manage the game after the break, but a costly error from veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera opened the door for Cape Verde. Helio Varela capitalised just after the hour mark, finishing into an empty net to restore parity.
Despite late pressure from Uruguay, including a late Federico Valverde free-kick that flew over the bar, they could not find a winner. Cape Verde national football team held firm to claim a valuable point.
The result leaves Cape Verde on two points from two matches, with qualification for the last 32 still within reach. They now face Saudi Arabia in their final group game, knowing victory would secure a historic passage to the knockout stage.
Uruguay, meanwhile, remain in a precarious position after back-to-back draws. Bielsa’s side may now need a result against European champions Spain to avoid an early exit, a scenario that would mark a major disappointment for a squad featuring Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde.
The South Americans briefly thought they had restored control when Araujo’s header created another chance that led to a disallowed goal, but Cape Verde’s resilience held through a tense finish.
For Cape Verde, led by coach Marcelo Bielsa, the performance further strengthens their growing reputation as one of the tournament’s surprise packages, blending discipline with sharp counter-attacking threat.
With one group match remaining, Group H remains finely balanced, and Uruguay’s margin for error has all but disappeared.
