Cape Verde holds Uruguay to 2-2 draw, stays unbeaten in World Cup debut
The African debutants followed up a goalless draw with Spain by taking a point off the two-time world champions, with Kevin Pina scoring their first-ever World Cup goal.
Historic first goal
Cape Verde, a nation of roughly half a million people, took a shock lead in the 21st minute. Kevin Pina (named Kevin Lenini in one match report) stepped up to a free-kick and drove a low, powerful shot past Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. It was the country's first goal at a World Cup finals, and according to statistics cited by Polish media, no team had scored its maiden World Cup goal directly from a free-kick since 1966.
Uruguay fights back
Uruguay, ranked 45 places above Cape Verde in the FIFA rankings, responded before half-time. Maximiliano Araujo equalised in the 44th minute, pouncing on a rebound after a shot hit the post. Deep into stoppage time, Araujo turned provider, heading a cross into the path of Agustin Canobbio, who made it 2-1 from close range. Both goalkeepers ended the first half with a zero save percentage, as every shot on target resulted in a goal.
Second-half equaliser
Cape Verde refused to fade. In the 61st minute, substitute Helio Varela, on the pitch for only three minutes, capitalised on a misjudged rush by Muslera outside his area and rolled the ball into an empty net. Uruguay thought they had regained the lead moments later when Araujo found the net again, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for offside.
Group H picture
With two draws from two matches, Cape Verde remain unbeaten and firmly in contention for a knockout-stage place. Uruguay, having also drawn their opener against Saudi Arabia, sit on two points alongside the debutants. Spain lead the group after a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia earlier in the day.
