MIAMI – Debutants Cape Verde scored their first World Cup goals as they held two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw to claim another historic point on Sunday, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
They had previously held European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their tournament opener last week.
But this time around it was even better as they also found the net for the first time in a World Cup. Kevin Pina did the honours and scored Cape Verde’s maiden World Cup goal to give them the lead in the 21st minute with a stunning free-kick from distance.
Uruguay hit back and Maxi Araújo levelled in the 44th, while Augustin Canobbio turned the game around shortly before the break.
But substitute Helio Varela needed just three minutes to help Cape Verde keep writing football history.
After a missed pass in Uruguay’s half, Varela tapped the ball around goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was far off his line, before tapping it into the empty net in the 61st.
Spain top Group H after their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia earlier. Uruguay are second but tied on two points with Cape Verde. The Saudi team sits bottom of the table with just one point. – June 22, 2026