MIAMI, June 22 — Cape Verde continued its remarkable FIFA World Cup debut by scoring its first-ever goal at the tournament and securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against two-time world champions Uruguay in their Group H clash on Sunday.
After earning widespread praise for holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening match, the African nation once again impressed with a spirited performance to claim another valuable point.
Cape Verde made history when Gilson Tavares found the net in the 31st minute, giving his side a surprise lead and marking the country’s first goal in a World Cup finals tournament.
Uruguay responded just before halftime, with Maxi Araújo leveling the score in the 44th minute. The South American side then completed the turnaround moments later when Agustín Canobbio struck to hand Uruguay a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.
However, Cape Verde refused to back down and restored parity in the 61st minute through substitute Hélio Varela.
The equaliser came after a misplaced pass by the Uruguayan defence allowed Varela to break into space before calmly slotting the ball past veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
The draw extends Cape Verde’s unbeaten start to its maiden World Cup campaign, following its opening stalemate against Spain.
In Group H, Spain sits atop the standings after a convincing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Uruguay and Cape Verde are level on two points each, while Saudi Arabia remains bottom of the group with one point.
The result leaves qualification to the knockout stage finely balanced heading into the final round of group matches.
— MINUTESMY
