Cape Verde Stuns Uruguay 2-2 in World Cup Group H
World Cup debutants Cape Verde held two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Another Upset for the Debutants
After surprising Spain with a 2-2 draw in their opening match, Cape Verde repeated the feat against Uruguay, the two-time world champions (1930 and 1950). The Group H encounter ended 2-2, proving that Cape Verde is not just a minnow.
Match Highlights
Cape Verde took the lead in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina fired a long-range shot through the Uruguayan wall. Uruguay responded before halftime: Maxi Araujo equalized, and Augustín Canobbio made it 2-1 just before the break.
In the second half, a defensive error by Uruguay allowed Cape Verde back. In the 61st minute, Mathías Olivera played a risky pass back into his own penalty area, which Helio Varela intercepted, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted into the empty net to make it 2-2.
Uruguay thought they had won it late on, but Federico Valverde's goal was ruled out for offside. Both teams had chances in stoppage time, but the game ended in a stalemate.
Group Standings and Outlook
Spain leads Group H with four points. Uruguay and Cape Verde both have two points, with Saudi Arabia on one point. On June 27, Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia at 3:00 AM Latvian time; a win would seal their historic qualification to the Round of 16. Uruguay take on Spain in a match that could decide their fate.
