Cape Verde Draws Uruguay 2-2 in World Cup Upset

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Miami, June 21, Foreign News) Cape Verde, making its first appearance in the World Cup finals, continued its dark horse status. After an upset draw against Spain in their first match, they came from behind today to equalize, ultimately drawing 2-2 with Uruguay.

According to reports from the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse, Cape Verde took the lead in the 21st minute with a free-kick goal by Kevin Pina, scoring their first-ever World Cup goal. However, two-time world champions Uruguay scored two goals before the end of the first half, with goals from Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio, helping the team to a 2-1 lead at halftime.

However, in the 61st minute, a mistake by 40-year-old Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera allowed Helio Varela to score the crucial equalizer for Cape Verde. Neither side could score again, and the match ended in a draw.

Cape Verde currently has 2 points in Group H, greatly increasing their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. The African island nation will play their final group match on June 27th against Saudi Arabia, who previously lost 0-4 to Spain. If Cape Verde can secure a victory, they have a strong chance of historically advancing to the round of 32.

In contrast, traditional South American powerhouse Uruguay, after a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in their first match, was again held to a draw by a lower-ranked opponent, putting their qualification in jeopardy. Uruguay's final match will be against European champions Spain, where they will likely need a win to avoid being eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive tournament.

For Cape Verde's Vozinha, this match was another unforgettable moment. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who shone against Spain and became one of the tournament's dark horse players, had his mother watching from the stands. She had missed the historic first match due to visa issues.

This match also marked a new page in World Cup history, becoming the first match in the tournament's history to feature two starting goalkeepers aged 40 or older. Uruguayan goalkeeper Muslera, in his 18th World Cup appearance, celebrated his 40th birthday on June 16th. (Compiled by Tsai Chia-min) 1150621

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