Cape Verde kept their FIFA World Cup knockout-stage dream alive after battling to a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Group H on Sunday in Miami.
The Blue Sharks, who earned a point against Spain in their opening match, moved to two points from two games and remain unbeaten heading into their decisive final group fixture against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde made history in the 27th minute when Kevin Pina scored the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. The midfielder curled a powerful free-kick beyond Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to give the tournament debutants a deserved lead.
Uruguay responded strongly before halftime. Maxi Araujo equalised in the 44th minute with a diving header after Rodrigo Bentancur’s effort had struck the post. Agustin Canobbio then completed the comeback deep into first-half stoppage time to send La Celeste into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Cape Verde refused to back down and found an equaliser shortly after the hour mark. Substitute Hélio Varela, introduced moments earlier, capitalised on a defensive mistake and calmly finished past Muslera with his first involvement in the match.
Buoyed by the goal, Cape Verde pushed for a winner. Jamiro Monteiro came close with a long-range effort that flew just over the crossbar, while Laros Duarte also tested Muslera in the closing stages.
The draw leaves Cape Verde in contention for a historic place in the Round of 16. Having already held both Spain and Uruguay, Bubista’s side will now look to secure qualification when they face Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match.
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