MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Cape Verde continued its impressive FIFA World Cup debut campaign by holding two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in a Group H match on Sunday, leaving qualification from the group undecided heading into the final round of fixtures.
The result marked another notable performance by the tournament newcomers, who had opened their campaign with a scoreless draw against Spain. Uruguay, meanwhile, remained without a victory after also drawing their opening match against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde took the lead in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored from a long-range free kick, registering the nation's first-ever goal at a World Cup finals tournament. Uruguay responded before halftime as Maximiliano Araujo equalized in the 44th minute before Agustin Canobbio put the South Americans ahead deep into first-half stoppage time.
The African side drew level again in the second half when substitute Helio Varela capitalized on a defensive mistake to score in the 61st minute and secure a point.
Speaking after the match, Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitao Brito said his team's performance reflected the determination of smaller football nations seeking to compete on the global stage.
“This is something we owe to other smaller national teams,” Brito said through an interpreter. “We’re also here to show that a country may be small, may struggle financially, but if they are resilient, if they can endure struggle, they can also stand shoulder to shoulder with other major teams.”
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed frustration with his team's position after two matches. According to Reuters, Bielsa said Uruguay had collected only two points despite believing his side had opportunities to win both of its opening games. He cited defensive errors as a significant factor and accepted responsibility for organizational shortcomings.
The draw left Spain atop Group H with four points, while Uruguay and Cape Verde each had two points. Saudi Arabia remained in contention with one point. No team had secured qualification or been eliminated at the time of the result.
The group stage concludes on June 26, when Uruguay faces Spain and Cape Verde meets Saudi Arabia. Qualification for the knockout phase will be determined by those final matches.
