Cape Verde draws 2-2 with Uruguay after defensive blunder to stay in World Cup hunt

Fairy tale continues

Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, followed up a goalless draw with Spain by holding Uruguay to a 2-2 result. The island nation's players again threw themselves into every challenge, and a late equaliser from substitute Helio Varela secured a second point in Group H.

“Be strong and brave, blue sharks!”

The message from goalkeeper Vozinha's mother, who had overcome visa issues to attend, set the tone. Both goalkeepers were over 40, and Vozinha had little to do after his heroics against Spain.

How the goals unfolded

Kevin Pina gave Cape Verde a shock lead in the 21st minute, firing a 30-metre free kick past a poorly positioned Fernando Muslera. Uruguay responded before half-time: Maxi Araujo equalised in the 44th minute, and Agustin Canobbio put the South Americans ahead deep in stoppage time (45+6).

Cape Verde refused to fade. Three minutes after coming on, Varela punished a defensive mix-up. Mathias Olivera gifted him the ball, and Muslera had rashly left his goal, allowing the 24-year-old to slot home the 2-2.

Late drama and a disallowed goal

Uruguay thought they had retaken the lead in the 70th minute when Araujo turned in a rebound after Vozinha tipped a corner onto the post, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Vozinha's mother danced and trembled in the stands.

Uruguay pressed for a winner in a frantic finish. Brian Rodriguez saw a shot blocked (86th), Fede Valverde's free kick flew just over (90th), and Canobbio fired wide on a counter-attack in stoppage time (90+3). Cape Verde held on.

Group H picture

Spain lead the group with four points. Cape Verde and Uruguay each have two points. The final round of matches will see Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia while Uruguay take on Spain, both kicking off simultaneously on Saturday night.