FIFA WC 2026: Cabo Verde continue unbeaten run with Uruguay stalemate
Miami, June 22
Debutants Cabo Verde registered another draw with a former FIFA World Cup winner after they recovered a half-time deficit to hold Uruguay 2-2 here at Miami Stadium.
Cabo Verde took a shock lead when Telmo Arcanjo earned a free-kick and, from 34 yards, Kevin Pina fired it through a gap in the wall and into the bottom corner.
Uruguay were in desperate need of their equaliser when it arrived in the 44th minute. Sidney Lopes Cabral headed the ball against his own post under pressure from Rodrigo Bentancur, and Araujo stooped to nod in the rebound with Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha stranded, AFC reports.
They completed the turnaround in the sixth minute of first-half added time, as Canobbio turned in Araujo's header across goal on the volley.
Uruguay appeared in control early in the second half until Muslera inexplicably raced out of his goal in the 61st minute, and Cabo Verde substitute Varela took full advantage to roll the ball into an empty net after an excellent first touch.
Vozinha, the hero of Cabo Verde's draw with Spain, fumbled to allow Araujo to tap in, but his blushes were spared by an offside flag.
Real Madrid midfielder Valverde blazed a late free-kick over the bar from just outside the box, leaving Uruguay on the brink of a hugely disappointing exit.
Uruguay's Muslera and Vozinha of Cabo Verde ensured that two goalkeepers in their 40s started a World Cup game for the first time ever.
Cabo Verde boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout phase with their second point in Group H. The African island nation face Saudi Arabia, thumped 4-0 by Spain earlier Sunday, in their final group game next Saturday, knowing victory would secure a last-32 berth.
Two-time world champions Uruguay's hopes of progressing are in serious danger, though, after again being held by lower-ranked opposition after their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, this is so inspiring! Small nations like Cabo Verde showing heart and determination on the biggest stage. Argentina and Brazil better watch out - African teams are coming! 🇮🇳⚽
Muslera's howler was absolutely shocking. At 42, maybe time to hang up the gloves? But gotta respect the longevity - two keepers over 40 starting a WC game is wild.
Uruguay in serious danger of early exit? That's massive. Two-time champions struggling against 'minnows' - shows how football has truly globalised. Cabo Verde's story is one for the ages. Reminds me of India's 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers - heart over history!🔥
Real talk: Uruguay need to rebuild their squad. Suarez, Cavani, Godin - golden generation is gone. Muslera and Valverde can't do it alone. Cabo Verde fully deserved that point. 👏
What a game! That free-kick from Pina was world-class. And the spirit of Cabo Verde to come back twice - pure grit. If they beat Saudi Arabia, they could actually qualify! Imagine an island nation of 500,000 people reaching the knockout stage. That's the beauty of football. 🇨🇻
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