Cape Verde stun Uruguay again with thrilling comeback draw

Cape Verde produced another extraordinary result, fighting back to draw 2-2 with two-time world champions Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on 21 June. In a match many hailed as a contender for game of the tournament, the debutants led, were overtaken before half-time and then levelled once more.

A breathless first half

Kevin Pina put Cape Verde ahead in the 21st minute with a stunning long-range free-kick that flew through Uruguay's timid two-man wall. Maximiliano Araujo levelled in the 44th minute with his second goal of the tournament, then turned provider for Agustin Canobbio to complete the turnaround deep in first-half stoppage time, in the 45+6th minute.

Varela's chip and a frantic finale

Substitute Helio Varela restored parity in the 61st minute, flicking the ball over Fernando Muslera's head and into an empty net. Uruguay thought they had won it when Araujo tapped home, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside against the same player. Late on, Laros Duarte fired straight at the keeper and Varela was denied a winner by a goal-saving Rodrigo Bentancur challenge.

The result left Uruguay and Cape Verde locked together on two points each, setting up a tense final round of matches in Group H.