World Cup 2026: Cape Verde blocks Uruguay, 2-2 in Group H
A stunning equalizer from a defensive error and some excellent saves gave Cape Verde another impressive 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
Cape Verde — one of the smallest countries in the tournament — continues to impress in every match. After a 0-0 draw against Spain last week, they again showed brilliance on Sunday when they scored a second-half equalizer and blocked for a 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
Although Uruguay controlled most of the first half, the first historic attack came from Cape Verde. In the 21st minute, Kevin Pina hit a powerful free kick that went over the Uruguay wall, past the fingertips of Fernando Muslera and into the net — Cape Verde's first goal in World Cup history.
La Celeste's answer didn't take long. In a span of seven minutes, Uruguay scored two goals. The first goal came from a rebound header by Maximillian Araújo; after that, Araújo provided the assist to Agustín Canobbio who scored for Uruguay's second late in first-half stoppage time. Uruguay carried the momentum into the second half.
But an introduction of a substitute moved the flow of the game. Three minutes into the match, Hélio Varela took advantage of a key defensive error by Mathías Olivera—intercepting a weak pass back, one-on-one past Muslera and slotting the ball into the empty goal.
The Cape Verde players immediately felt the emotion with two great moments, but they had to continue in defense. Despite Uruguay's constant attack—which recorded 17 total shots and three times as many touches inside the box as their opponent—the Blue Sharks did not give up and kept the score 2-2 until the end.
When a small country makes its World Cup debut, participation is generally expected. But Cape Verde's two sides have laid out a scenario where they can thrive in a tight Group H and possibly advance further.
Earlier in the day Spain swept Saudi Arabia 4-0 to top Group H; Uruguay and Cape Verde are currently tied on two points, although La Celeste is slightly ahead when it comes to the number of goals. Rounding out the group against Saudi Arabia provides an easier schedule for Cape Verde, while Uruguay face strong Spain in their final match—a possible advantage for the Blue Sharks in the race for second place.
The result is yet another proof of the strength and determination of this small national team on the biggest stage in futbol.
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