rewrite this title World Cup 2026: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde – African nation claim shock second Group H point against two-time winners

Cape Verde continued their fairytale World Cup campaign as the African group of islands claimed a 2-2 draw with two-time winners Uruguay in Miami.

In a real contender for game of the tournament, Cape Verde were at it again in a brave display in the Group H game which saw them take the lead, fall behind – then rescue another point after some horror Uruguay defending.

Kevin Pina set the tone for their bravery by scoring a stunning long-range free-kick that went through the timid two-man Uruguay wall to send Cape Verde into more delirium.

But a second tournament goal for Maxi Araujo, who then set up Agustin Canobbio’s second seven minutes later, turned the game around just ahead of half-time.

Cape Verde were not deterred and levelled in comical fashion for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Mathias Olivera’s poor square pass saw goalkeeper Fernando Muslera rush out of his goal. Substitute Helio Varela flicked the ball over his head and scored into an empty net.

Uruguay thought they had a winner as Araujo tapped home a scrappy effort but it was ruled out for an offside on the same player. Steven Moreira then made two goal-saving blocks to deny Brian Rodriguez and Rodrigo Bentancur from close range.

A thrilling finale saw Laros Duarte fire straight at the goalkeeper in a massive chance for Cape Verde to win it, before Varela was denied a second goal by a goal-saving challenge from Bentancur.

For Cape Verde, this result means they can go into their final game against Saudi Arabia confident that they can avoid defeat to take them into the round of 32. Uruguay likely need something from their final game against Spain to qualify…

The key moments from Miami…

21: GOAL! Pina sends Cape Verde into delirium with a long-range free-kick that goes through the two-man wall.38: Cape Verde miss two quickfire opportunities – Lopes Cabral’s cross is well-saved by Muslera while Gilson Benchimol cannot pick out Telmo Arcanjo for a one on one on the break.44: GOAL! Seconds after Cape Verde try to score from halfway, Araujo levels with a close-range header.45+6: GOAL! Uruguay complete comeback as Canobbio flicks home Araujo’s header.61: GOAL! Uruguay then shoot themselves in the foot as Olivera’s square pass and Muslera’s wild charge out allows Varela to level.63: Jamiro Monteiro nearly turns the game around again as his long-range effort lands on the roof of the net.69: DISALLOWED! Uruguay think they have a scrappy third goal through Araujo but his heel is caught offside as a corner came back to him.90+3: Federico Valverde cannot slide in from Darwin Nunez’s cross, before Canobbio blazes over a one on one.90+5: Duarte nearly wins it for Cape Verde but fires straight at the goalkeeper, before Varela fails to convert big chance on break.

Analysis: What is going on with Bielsa’s Uruguay?

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:

From dark horses to deep disappointment. Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay were one of those teams tipped to go a long way given talent all over the pitch. Carry on playing like this and they are going home.

After losing for most of their opener against World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia, before salvaging a late point, Uruguay were even worse against Cape Verde.

Their two goals were their only shots on target in the game. With 15 chances flying off target, they look like a team devoid of quality as much as confidence.

Yes, they are missing key players such as injured captain Jose Gimenez, defender Ronald Araujo, midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta while Luis Suarez was not picked – key, experienced players in the spine.

But their problems are bigger than that. There is a passion element to it as well. Just look at the two teams in terms of heart.

Cape Verde defended for their lives. Their two centre-backs made 28 clearances, left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral won 10 out of his 15 duels on a yellow card.

Uruguay’s two-man wall parted like papier mache for Kevin Pina’s free-kick goal, while their hospital pass defending for the second was diabolic at any level.

But perhaps such lack of heart to be expected, given all the turmoil that Bielsa’s reign has provided in the last two years.

Generational talisman Suarez removed himself from international duty because Bielsa created a divisive and toxic environment, and the former Leeds boss returned the favour by snubbing the striker when he asked to come back for this tournament.

Part of the disrespect Suarez accused Bielsa of is putting Sunday’s goalscorer Augstin Canobbio with the Under-20s “sparring players” instead of the first team, as Bielsa did not like his attitude, including the way he sat down.

Bielsa is already set to leave the national team post at the end of the tournament but as the full-time whistle went, the cameras followed him down the tunnel. There is deep scrutiny after the two-time World Cup winners failed to beat Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde at a major tournament.

Will he even take charge of the game against Spain? Stranger things have happened.

What the result means…

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