Cape Verde continued their impressive debut FIFA World Cup campaign by holding two-time champions Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Group H encounter.
Having already earned a shock 0-0 draw against Spain in their opening match, Cape Verde took a dream lead against Uruguay through Kevin Pina’s long-range free-kick, which went through the middle of the wall in the 21st minute.
Uruguay made the most of the extra space created as Cape Verde pushed forward. Maxi Araujo dived low to nod in an equaliser after defender Sidny Lopes Cabral flicked a delivery back towards his own goal.
Agustin Canobbio, who was not in the starting line-up for Uruguay’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, then justified his inclusion by turning home an Araujo pass from close range in first-half stoppage time.
Cape Verde’s poor distribution in the face of a tireless Uruguayan press often made it difficult for them to build up through the pitch, although they kept trying to work openings.
And Cape Verde found a way to hit back – thanks largely to a lapse in concentration from the Uruguay defence.
Mathias Olivera tried to play the ball across his own box but did not notice the waiting Helio Varela, who controlled the ball to take it past the goalkeeper before guiding it into the back of the empty net.
Uruguay nearly snatched a winner, but Federico Valverde had a goal ruled out for offside after bundling the ball over the line from close range. Both sides had further chances to win it in stoppage time but neither could find a crucial third goal.
Second-placed Uruguay and third-placed Cape Verde have two points from two games in Group H and both remain in the hunt to qualify for the last 32.
