Brave Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw

Substitute Helio Varela’s equaliser helped Cape Verde stun two-time world champions Uruguay, securing a 2-2 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group H encounter at Miami Stadium.

Uruguay dominated possession and registered more shots, but the tournament debutants had four shots on target compared to their opponents’ two in the match.

Cape Verde midfielder Kevin Pina put his team ahead in the 21st minute, scoring directly from a 25-yard free-kick that he drilled past Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

It is Cape Verde’s first goal in their World Cup history. Maxi Araujo scored for Uruguay to level the game in the 44th minute.

Sidny Lopes Cabral rose to the highest to try to clear the ball, but his header hit his own post and Araujo was there to head it for his second goal of the World Cup.

Uruguay went 2-1 ahead in the stoppage time of the first half through Agustin Canobbio’s goal.

Manuel Ugarte whipped a ball into the box. Araújo jumped to head it down and placed it for Canobbio, who was waiting to tap it in.

Cape Verde rallied through Varela’s goal in the 61st minute of the match, sending the players and fans into wild celebrations.

Varela took advantage of a mistake between Uruguay defender Mathias Olivera and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to score his first international goal.

Olivera failed to clear the ball properly, and Muslera was well out of position as Varela pounced, took a good touch, and found the net from distance. Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Spain in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup.

Uruguay and Cape Verde are on two points behind group leaders Spain, who have four points heading into the final round of games.