Cape Verde Holds Uruguay 2-2, Stays Alive at the World Cup

Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay on Sunday night, picking up a second straight point at their first ever World Cup and keeping their chances of reaching the knockout round very much alive.

The small island nation, playing in just their second World Cup match, took a shock lead in Miami when Kevin Pina curled in a long-range free-kick in the 21st minute. It was the first World Cup goal in the country's history.

Uruguay hit back twice before the break. Maxi Araujo headed in an equalizer after a mix-up at the back, and Agustin Canobbio added a second deep into first-half stoppage time, turning the ball in from close range.

Cape Verde would not go away, though. In the 61st minute, substitute Helio Varela pounced after defender Mathias Olivera and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera got their signals crossed, and he slotted the ball into an empty net to level things up.

Uruguay thought they had snatched a late winner through captain Federico Valverde, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Both sides pushed for a third in stoppage time, but the score stayed level.

The result leaves Cape Verde, nicknamed the Blue Sharks, with two points from two games, the same as Uruguay. Both sit in the hunt for a spot in the last 32 of Group H, which also includes Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Cape Verde stunned fans last week by holding Spain to a goalless draw in their World Cup opener. This time out, the team looked far more willing to attack, often catching Uruguay on the break.

Uruguay, two-time world champions, have now failed to win either of their first two matches, having also drawn 1-1 with Saudi Arabia. They now face Spain in their final group game needing a result to keep their tournament alive.

Cape Verde finish their group stage against Saudi Arabia on Saturday, needing just a point or a win to give themselves a real shot at history.