Cape Verde and Helio Varela win global praise after stunning Uruguay draw

Cape Verde and Maccabi Tel Aviv winger Helio Varela became international headlines overnight after his late equalizer in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Varela came off the bench in the 58th minute and needed just three minutes to score, turning a defensive mistake into a precious point for the African underdog. The result left Cape Verde in a strong position heading into the final round of matches.

Spanish newspaper Marca celebrated the upset, writing that Cape Verde is continuing its “love story” with the World Cup, while also blaming Uruguay and coach Marcelo Bielsa for the collapse. Marca said Varela “came on from the bench, beat Fernando Muslera after a bad pass and took his chance immediately.” AS also focused on the dramatic goal, saying Varela “politely accepted the gift Uruguay handed him,” and added harsh criticism of Bielsa, calling him “a lost soul searching for an identity at the 2026 World Cup.”

The Spanish paper said Cape Verde never looked inferior and described it as a talented team playing quality football, adding that a win over Saudi Arabia would send it to the round of 32. Sky Sports in England said Uruguay had “shot itself in the foot,” with Muslera’s exit labeled reckless. Still, it praised Varela’s composure, noting that Matías Olivera’s poor pass and Muslera’s rash move allowed the winger to equalize.

Mundo Deportivo called Cape Verde a “gift to football,” describing it as refreshing, authentic, competitive and entertaining. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who was named man of the match, said, “It is a great honor for me to represent the country I love,” adding that Cape Verde comes from a very small place and had a very difficult road to qualification. The 40-year-old, who plays for second-tier Portuguese club Chaves, said he did not become a professional until age 25. Former Ghana, Barcelona and Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng also told SBS that Cape Verde is the tournament’s team, because nobody expected it to take a point from Spain and now it has done it again. He said the team had chances to win in the second half and could beat Saudi Arabia to advance.