Cape Verde Stuns Uruguay Again, Keeps World Cup Knockout Dream Alive

Cape Verde continued its remarkable World Cup run on the night between Sunday and Monday, drawing 2-2 with Uruguay after already holding Spain to a 0-0 tie in the opening round. The result leaves the underdog side with a strong chance of reaching the next stage for the first time in its history.

Cape Verde led in the 21st minute through Kevin Pina, who fired a powerful free kick from about 31 meters through the wall and past Fernando Muslera. It was Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal, and the crowd reacted accordingly. Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, responded before halftime. Maxi Araujo equalized in the 44th minute after a rebound off the post, then in first-half stoppage time headed a ball across for Agustin Canobbio to make it 2-1.

The lead lasted until the 61st minute, when Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Helio Varela, sent on three minutes earlier, punished a careless cross-field pass by Mathias Olivera, beat Muslera outside the box, and rolled the ball into the empty net. It was Varela's first senior international goal. Uruguay thought it had won it again when Maxi Araujo scored from close range late on, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

The points mean Cape Verde enters the final group match against Saudi Arabia on June 27 in Guadalajara still dreaming of a historic knockout-stage qualification. Uruguay, still winless in the tournament, must beat Spain in its final game on June 27 in Houston to avoid an early and embarrassing exit.