Cape Verde continued their remarkable World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay in Miami.
The Group H encounter produced one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches so far.
Cape Verde took the lead, fell behind before half-time, and then fought back to claim another valuable point after costly Uruguay defending.
The result leaves Cape Verde with a strong chance of reaching the round of 32. They will go into their final group match against Saudi Arabia knowing that avoiding defeat could be enough to progress.
Uruguay, meanwhile, are likely to need a positive result against Spain in their last group game to stay in the tournament.
Cape Verde strike first in Miami
Cape Verde showed their ambition early and stunned Uruguay through Kevin Pina.
Pina scored with a superb long-range free-kick that passed through a weak two-man Uruguay wall.
The goal sparked wild celebrations for Cape Verde, who have continued to defy expectations on the world stage.
Uruguay responded before half-time.
Maxi Araujo scored his second goal of the tournament to bring Marcelo Bielsa’s side level.
Araujo then turned provider seven minutes later, setting up Agustin Canobbio for Uruguay’s second goal.
The quick double changed the momentum and sent Uruguay into the break ahead.
Defensive mistake gifts Cape Verde equaliser
Cape Verde refused to fade after falling behind.
Their persistence was rewarded after a major defensive error from Uruguay.
Mathias Olivera played a poor square pass, forcing goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to rush out of his goal.
Substitute Helio Varela reacted quickly, flicked the ball over Muslera and finished into an empty net to make it 2-2.
The equaliser set up a tense final spell as both teams pushed for a winner.
Late drama as both sides miss chances
Uruguay thought they had regained the lead when Araujo tapped in from close range.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside against the same player.
Cape Verde then survived more pressure as Steven Moreira produced two vital goal-saving blocks.
He denied Brian Rodriguez and Rodrigo Bentancur from close range to keep the score level.
Cape Verde also had chances to win it.
Laros Duarte fired straight at the goalkeeper from a promising position, missing a major opportunity.
Varela also went close to scoring his second goal, but Bentancur made a crucial recovery challenge to stop him.
The draw keeps Cape Verde’s fairytale campaign alive and adds more pressure on Uruguay ahead of their decisive final group match.
