Cape Verde gets 1st World Cup goal and holds Uruguay to 2-2 draw
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Cape Verde continued its impressive World Cup debut by drawing 2-2 with two-time champion Uruguay, with Kevin Pina scoring the nation's first-ever World Cup goal and Helio Varela netting the equalizer.
- The island nation, with a population of around half a million, now has two points in Group H and a realistic chance to advance to the knockout stage, facing Saudi Arabia in their final group match.
- Cape Verde's coach Pedro Leitão Brito emphasized resilience and determination, highlighting the team's ability to compete against major football powers despite limited resources.
- Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, expressed disappointment over missed opportunities and organizational mistakes, needing a positive result against Spain to advance.
- Goalkeeper Vozinha, a standout player for Cape Verde, made a memorable impact, playing alongside Uruguay's 40-year-old veteran goalie Fernando Muslera in a rare World Cup match featuring two goalkeepers over 40.
