Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde: Araujo 44, Canobbio 45+5; Lenini 21, Varela 61
Cape Verde are absolutely enjoying this World Cup. After their well-deserved draw against Spain in their opening game, here they earned another point in a different way, opening the scoring and then equalising after falling behind, to ensure a 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
By the final whistle, it was of course the tournament newcomers who were the more satisfied side. Cape Verde remain unbeaten after two matches and can now realistically dream of extending their extraordinary journey into the knockout rounds, if they can manage a victory against Saudi Arabia in their next game.
Uruguay, by contrast, face a must-win encounter against Spain and the very real prospect of an early exit, having now played two consecutive draws.
Cape Verde’s confidence was evident from the outset. Unfazed by the reputation of their opponents, they matched Uruguay’s intensity and struck first after 20 minutes through a moment that will live long in the nation’s football history.
Kevin Pina became the first Cape Verdean player to score at a World Cup when he unleashed a fierce freekick from distance that pierced a poorly set-up Uruguay wall and beat Fernando Muslera. The midfielder’s strike sparked delirium among his teammates, technical staff and the small contingent of fans.
Uruguay controlled possession but struggled to find clear opportunities. Cape Verde looked dangerous whenever they attacked, with Garry Rodrigues causing persistent problems down the flank and Sidny Cabral forcing Muslera into action with an inviting delivery that nearly found Gilson Benchimol at the far post.
The South Americans eventually found a route back into the contest shortly before half-time. Rodrigo Bentancur’s header struck Cabral and rebounded off the post, allowing Maximiliano Araujo to nod home the equaliser from close range.
The turnaround was completed deep in added time. Manuel Ugarte floated a pass into the area, Araujo directed it into a dangerous position and Agustin Canobbio, left unmarked, calmly converted to give Uruguay a lead that seemed harsh on their spirited opponents.
Cape Verde refused to be discouraged in the second period and their reward arrived shortly after the hour. Mathias Olivera received the ball from a throw-in and attempted a pass infield to his centre-back, but it was short and substitute Helio Varela seized the opportunity. Somehow Muslera had unwisely dashed way out of his area to intercept and Valera dinked the ball past him, before finishing confidently to level the score and ignite fresh celebrations for Cape Verde.
Uruguay responded with urgency and thought they had restored their advantage when Araujo bundled the ball over the line but an offside flag spared Cape Verde. The south Americans pushed for a winner but neither Steven Moreira nor Canobbio could find their way past a resolute African defence.
