2026 World Cup: Cape Verde keep remarkable run going by holding Uruguay too
The World Cup newcomers from Cape Verde clearly arent intimidated by anyone. A few days after taking Spain to the wire, the plucky underdogs did it again on Monday, battling back for a dramatic 2-2 draw with Uruguay in a wild, see-saw contest.
Before the tournament, few would have fancied the Blue Sharks to pick up two points against two former world champions. But after two games, Bubistas side are still unbeaten and can even start to dream about a historic place in the knockout stage.
Cape Verde struck first again
As against Spain, Cape Verde were in no mood to wait around. In the middle of the first half, Kevin Lenini stunned Fernando Muslera with a superb long-range free-kick. It was a goal that wrote another grim little chapter in Uruguays World Cup history, with Muslera beaten that way for the first time on this stage.
Stung into action, Uruguay finally hit back just before the break. Maxi Araujo first pounced on a rebound off the post to level things up. In stoppage time, Augustin Canobbio then finished off a move started by Viktor Gyokeres? No. By his namesake Agustin, who was picked out by a headed pass from Maxi Araujo after an outstanding first half from the winger.
In a matter of minutes, the game had completely turned and Uruguays experience looked set to tell.
Helio Varela dragged the Blue Sharks back in
The second half settled into a slower tempo until a mix-up between Mathias Olivera and Fernando Muslera changed everything. Helio Varela, who had only just come on, pounced on the loose ball and hauled the two teams level again. Marcelo Bielsas men tried to force their way back in front after that. Brian Rodriguez, Federico Valverde from a free kick and Canobbio all had chances, but none could find the finish they needed.
Then, in the closing stages, Cape Verde thought they had a penalty after a controversial challenge on Nuno Da Costa. In the end, nothing was given, but that did little to stop the Cape Verde players celebrating the result like a win.
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Group H is wide open
With draws against Spain and Uruguay, Cape Verde keep ripping up the script. The Blue Sharks now head into their clash with Saudi Arabia with a real chance of reaching the last 16.
For Uruguay, things are getting messy. After already dropping points against the Saudis on matchday one, the Celeste now face Spain in a game that already looks decisive.
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