World Cup debutants Cape Verde scored a second-half equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uruguay on Sunday in Miami, backing up their shock opening stalemate with Spain.
Cape Verde took a surprise 21st-minute lead as Kevin Pina scored their first World Cup goal from a free-kick, only for Uruguay to strike twice shortly before half-time through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio.
But 40-year-old Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s mistake allowed Helio Varela to grab Cape Verde’s second just after the hour mark and neither side could find a winner.
Cape Verde boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout phase with their second point in Group H.
The African island nation will face Saudi Arabia, who were 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, as the South Americans may need to beat European champions Spain next weekend to avoid a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit.
(The Whistler)
