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Cape Verde, which had surprised everyone by drawing against Spain, did it again on Sunday in Miami and scored its first World Cup goals against Uruguay (2-2), who once again underperformed.
The 64th-ranked nation in the FIFA standings, making its first World Cup appearance, took the lead through Kevin Pina (21st minute) and equalized via Hélios Varela (61st minute), while Maxi Araujo (44th) and Agustin Canobbio (45+6) had got La Celeste back on track.
Uruguay, second in Group H on equal points with today’s opponent, will absolutely need to avoid defeat against Spain, the group favorite, to have a chance of reaching the round of 16.A dream qualification that Cape Verde will surely achieve if they win their last group match next Friday in Houston against the weak Saudi Arabia.
In front of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Luis Suarez, the Celeste legend enjoying a happy international retirement with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the Uruguayans dominated the game from the start, trying to suffocate the Cape Verdeans.
But against the run of play, from a long free kick, a powerful shot from Cape Verde midfielder Kevin Pina found the back of the net on the right of Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (21st minute).
Araujo, scorer and assister
Stunned, Marcelo Bielsa’s players left space for their opponents, who took advantage. Forward Gilson Benchimol had a chance for the 2-0 after a run but missed his final touch (32nd minute), then Sidny Lopes Cabral, on the right side, sent a long cross to the far post that Muslera had to deflect (38th minute).
The Uruguayans tightened their defense, and Maxi Araujo, who scored in the 1-1 draw against the Saudis, equalized with a diving header on a rebound off the post from Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha (44th minute). Agustin Canobbio increased the lead right at the end of the first half by beating Vozinha up close on a header pass from Araujo (45+6).
But from a mistake by defender Mathias Olivera, Hélio Varela, just brought on, stole the ball from Muslera and scored into an empty net (61st minute).Stung, Uruguay regained control against heroic Cape Verdean defenders. Vozinha was saved by his post (68th minute), then Brian Rodriguez (89th), Valverde (90+2), and Canobbio after a run from the center circle (90+3) all had match-winning chances.
But it was Cape Verde who could have knocked the game out if the referee had awarded a penalty after Nuno Da Costa was fouled in the box (90+5).
Another highlight for Vozinha, the veteran goalkeeper (40 years old with 91 caps), got to see his mother attend the match. She was able to make the trip from Cape Verde thanks to FIFA’s support and the goodwill of the U.S. authorities, who had initially denied her visa.
