Cape Verde rally to hold Uruguay 2-2 in Miami

Cape Verde came from behind to draw 2-2 with Uruguay in Miami, giving the World Cup debutants a second point from two Group H matches, AFP reported. The result kept Cape Verde in contention for the knockout stage and left Uruguay’s path to the last 32 in danger.

Kevin Pina put Cape Verde ahead in the 21st minute with the country’s first World Cup goal, scoring from a long-range free kick, according to AFP. Uruguay replied late in the first half through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio, but Cape Verde substitute Helio Varela equalised shortly after the hour mark after an error by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

AFP reported that Cape Verde, playing in their first World Cup, followed their opening draw against Spain with another point against a more established opponent. The African island nation will face Saudi Arabia next Saturday in their final group match, with a win enough to secure a place in the last 32.

Uruguay, twice World Cup winners, were held 1-1 by Saudi Arabia in their opener, AFP reported. Marcelo Bielsa’s side may now need to defeat European champions Spain next weekend to avoid a second straight group-stage elimination.

First-half swing

Bielsa made two changes from the Uruguay team that drew with Saudi Arabia, with Darwin Nunez starting on the bench, according to AFP. Cape Verde coach Bubista changed three players, all in attacking roles.

Cape Verde showed more attacking intent than they had in the Spain match, AFP reported, though Uruguay produced the first clear chance when Federico Valverde sent a left-footed shot wide. Pina then gave Cape Verde the lead, driving his free kick through a weak Uruguay wall and beyond Muslera.

Uruguay’s equaliser came in the 44th minute. AFP reported that Sidny Lopes Cabral headed the ball against his own post while under pressure from Rodrigo Bentancur, and Araujo headed in the rebound with goalkeeper Vozinha unable to recover.

Uruguay went ahead in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time. Canobbio met Araujo’s headed ball across goal and volleyed it in, completing a quick turnaround before the interval, AFP reported.

Muslera mistake opens door

Uruguay appeared to have steadied the match early in the second half, according to AFP, before Muslera left his goal in the 61st minute. Varela controlled the ball with his first touch and rolled his finish into an empty net to make it 2-2.

There was a late scare for Cape Verde when Vozinha, who had been central to their draw with Spain, fumbled and allowed Araujo to tap in, AFP reported. The goal was ruled out for offside.

Valverde had one of Uruguay’s final chances but sent a free kick from just outside the penalty area over the bar, according to AFP. The draw left Cape Verde with momentum before facing Saudi Arabia, who lost 4-0 to Spain earlier Sunday, while Uruguay’s final group match against Spain now carries major consequences.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.