Cape Verde pulled off another incredible World Cup shock as they drew 2-2 with two-time champions Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
Tubaroes Azuis had already captured the imagination with a goalless draw against Spain in their first-ever World Cup match. Here, they took things to another level.
Kevin Pina gave the debutants the lead with a stunning long-range free-kick in the 21st minute, sparking wild celebrations among Cape Verde supporters as they lauded their nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
A wild seven-minute spell just before half-time saw Uruguay take the lead, with Maxi Araujo netting the equaliser before setting up Agustin Canobbio to make it 2-1.
But Cape Verde would not be denied, with Helio Varela capitalising on a shambolic mix-up from a Uruguayan throw-in to level the game.
Uruguay desperately applied pressure from there, while Cape Verde always posed a threat on the break, but the result means Group H remains wide open heading into the final round of matches.
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Fearless Cape Verde make history
Cape Verde became every neutral’s favourite after they held 2010 champions Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta in their World Cup debut. From the heroics of Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto Lopes to the literally tens of millions of followers flocking to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha on social media, this Island nation has already proven they belong on this stage.
But in Miami on Sunday, they reached an entirely new level.
All of the same defensive grit and utter determination were on show against Uruguay, especially as the South American side applied immense pressure toward the end of the game. Heroic blocks and brave headers aplenty kept Uruguay at bay as Cape Verde held on to their point for dear life.
Cape Verde’s heroic defensive effort
But what really got fans off their seats in this one was the sheer fearlessness with which Cape Verde played. From the first minute to the last, the 67th-ranked team in the world posed a serious threat on the counter-attack, and no stat illustrates this more than Cape Verde completing 12 dribbles and winning 39 ground duels, compared to seven and 27, respectively, for their illustrious opponents.
Time and again, the likes of Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro and, from the bench, Helio Varela charged forward with the ball at their feet and only one thought in their mind: attack.
The result was David throwing haymakers at Goliath and coming desperately close to serving a knockout blow. But while a decisive punch didn’t quite land, it did serve us hands down the best match at this World Cup so far.
There won’t be a single fan outside of Uruguay or Spain now who hasn’t taken Cape Verde to their hearts, and they’ll all be hoping they can beat Saudi Arabia in their final group match to keep the story of the World Cup going.
Bielsa’s Uruguayan mess continues
With talk of in-fighting and disharmony before a ball was even kicked here, this result will do absolutely nothing to help Marcelo Bielsa’s cause as Uruguay manager.
Scepticism is already high among Uruguay supporters, with players unhappy at his intense methods, public criticism from icons like Luis Suarez and underwhelming results — including a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the 2024 Copa America.
What’s more, Bielsa has already confirmed he will depart his role when his contract expires after this World Cup, only fanning the flames further.
But after this World Cup, he may not be able to set foot in Uruguay again.
Tensions were already high after a miserable 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Uruguay’s opening game. This result, however, against minnows and debutants Cape Verde, will be seen as a national embarrassment.
The sliced pass from Mathias Olivera and Fernando Muslera’s senseless rush out to try and claim the ball on Cape Verde’s second goal really personified Uruguay’s World Cup campaign so far.
Now, they have the unenviable task of having to get a result against Spain or risk seeing their World Cup campaign ended at the group stage for the second straight tournament.
And we should mention that Uruguay head into that match in Guadalajara now without a win in their last six games — last tasting victory against Uzbekistan (2-1) back in October 2025.
Maxi Araujo keeps Uruguay alive
If there is one thing Uruguay fans can cling to heading into the crucial Spain match, it’s the form of Maxi Araujo at this tournament so far.
The Sporting CP winger had already saved their skins with the equalising goal late on against Saudi Arabia, and he once again stepped up here.
It was Araujo who drew La Celeste level in the 44th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Sidny Lopes Cabral headed the ball onto his own post. The 26-year-old then turned provider minutes later, squaring the ball to Agustin Canobbio with a deft header.
Araujo was Uruguay’s one consistent threat throughout the match, creating a joint-match-high three chances and having nine touches in the opposition box, while attempting two shots and three dribbles, and delivering seven crosses.
Uruguay might well be on the verge of crashing out in North America, but in Araujo, they have someone who looks genuinely capable of hurting Spain and keeping his nation in the tournament.
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