Cape Verde Secures Draw Against Uruguay in World Cup Group H Thriller

Miami: Cape Verde fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Uruguay in World Cup Group H on Sunday as the African archipelago maintained their unbeaten start at the global showpiece. The debutants took the lead in Miami against the two-time former winners when Kevin Pina rifled in their first-ever World Cup goal before Uruguay hit back on the stroke of half-time to lead 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. According to France24.com, Cape Verde boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout phase with their second point in Group H. The African island nation faces Saudi Arabia, who were defeated 4-0 by Spain earlier on Sunday, in their final group game next Saturday. A victory in that match would secure a last-32 berth for Cape Verde. Uruguay's hopes of progressing are in serious jeopardy after being held by another lower-ranked oppo sition following their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. The South Americans may need to beat European champions Spain next weekend to avoid a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes to the team that was held by Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal striker Darwin Nunez dropping to the bench. Bubista opted for three alterations to his Cape Verde team, all in attacking positions. Cape Verde started with more intent going forward than in their match against Spain, but it was still Uruguay who created the first real opening when Federico Valverde drilled a left-footed shot wide. However, the tournament debutants forged ahead when Pina crashed a long-range free-kick through a poor Uruguay wall and past Muslera. Uruguay needed their equalizer desperately, which arrived in the 44th minute when Sidney Lopes Cabral headed the ball against his own post under pressure from Rodrigo Bentancur, allowing Araujo to nod in the rebound with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha stranded. Urugu ay completed the turnaround in the sixth minute of first-half added time, as Canobbio turned in Araujo's header across goal on the volley. Despite being in control early in the second half, Muslera inexplicably raced out of his goal in the 61st minute, allowing Cape Verde substitute Varela to roll the ball into an empty net after an excellent first touch. Vozinha, the hero of Cape Verde's draw with Spain, fumbled to allow Araujo to tap in, but his blushes were spared by an offside flag. Real Madrid midfielder Valverde blazed a late free-kick over the bar from just outside the box, leaving Uruguay on the brink of a disappointing exit.