Cape Verde fight back for second World Cup draw against Uruguay

Cape Verde continued their remarkable World Cup debut by earning a 2-2 draw with Uruguay in Miami, backing up their opening stalemate against Spain. The islanders struck first when Kevin Pina smashed a long-range free kick through a fragile Uruguay wall for the nation’s maiden World Cup goal. Uruguay responded just before halftime, equalising through Maximiliano Araujo after Sidney Lopes Cabral headed against his own post, before Agustin Canobbio completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time.

Uruguay appeared in control early in the second half until veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera inexplicably rushed off his line, allowing substitute Helio Varela to calmly roll in Cape Verde’s leveller. Vozinha later survived a scare when Araujo’s tap‑in was ruled offside. Federico Valverde fired a late free kick over as Uruguay’s hopes dimmed. Cape Verde now face Saudi Arabia knowing victory secures progression, while Uruguay may need to beat Spain to survive.