2026 World Cup: Cabo Verde hold Uruguay to shock historic four-goal draw in Florida
Helio Varela came off the bench to earn Cabo Verde a battling 2-2 draw with Group H rivals Uruguay as the World Cup shock troops continued their fairytale journey in Miami.
After holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw on their tournament debut on Monday, the African minnows were forced to fight back to earn a point that boosts their hopes of reaching the last 32.
Kevin Pina struck the opener from a long-range free-kick on 21 minutes only for fine finishes in the closing minutes of the first half from Maxi Araújo 44' and Agustín Cano 45'+6' to turn the match on its head before half-time.
But Cabo Verde showed some wonderful resolve to earn a merited point when Varela, who had replaced Garry Rodrigues moments earlier, rounded Muslera to net with a fine finish on 61 minutes after some sloppy play by Mathías Olivera in needlessly giving away the ball.
Both side had chances to win the match in a hectic finale, but the draw is arguably a better draw for Cabo Verde, who will reach the last 32 if they defeat Saudi Arabia on Saturday in their final match of the section.