FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Cape Verde secured a crucial draw against Uruguay and confirmed that they are one of the most beautiful surprises of this World Cup. The Africans remain fully in the race for passage to the next stage, while Marcelo Bielsa's team is under pressure before the decisive match with Spain.
After the positive result against Spain, many considered Cape Verde's performance a sporting miracle. However, the challenge against Uruguay showed that the African team does not rely on luck, but on organization, tactical discipline and quality. At the Miami stadium, they managed to get a 2-2 draw against one of the biggest names in world football, leaving any scenario open in Group H.
After two matches, Spain leads the group with 4 points. Uruguay and Cape Verde are tied for second place with 2 points each, while Saudi Arabia has 1 point. In the final group matches, Uruguay will face Spain, while Cape Verde will face Saudi Arabia. A win over the Saudis could secure the African team a place in the knockout stage, either as the second-placed team in the group or among the best third-placed teams.
Cape Verde struck first.
The match started at a slow pace and with caution from both teams. Uruguay had more possession of the ball, but without creating clear chances. The first opportunity of the match came in the 14th minute, when Agustín Canobbio put Federico Valverde in a favorable position, but the Real Madrid midfielder was unable to finish.
In the 21st minute, Cape Verde took advantage of their first serious chance. Kevin Pina perfectly executed a free kick from about 30 meters and beat Fernando Muslera for the score 0-1. This was the first goal in Cape Verde's history in a World Cup finals.
After the goal, the Africans defended with great discipline and did not allow Uruguay to create any danger. However, in the 43rd minute, the equalizer came. Antonio Sanabria crossed into the area, Rodrigo Bentancur headed the ball, the ball hit the post and Maxi Araújo reacted faster than anyone to score for 1-1.
Uruguayan upset before the break
Uruguay gained confidence after the equalizer and increased the pressure in the first half's extra time. In the sixth minute of added time, a cross from the penalty area found Maxi Araújo, who headed it towards Canobbio. The Uruguayan striker made no mistake from close range and sent the ball into the net for 2-1.
At that moment, it seemed that Marcelo Bielsa's team had taken complete control of the match and were heading towards their first victory in the tournament.
The mistake that changed everything
The second half started with Uruguay in control of the ball, but without the aggression needed to close the match. Cape Verde waited for their moment and it came in the 61st minute.
A serious mistake by defender Mathías Olivera gave the ball to Hélio Varela. The African striker took advantage immediately, beating goalkeeper Muslera, who had gone wide, and calmly scored to make it 2-2.
Uruguay responded and in the 68th minute thought they had regained the lead. After a long drive, Maxi Araújo sent the ball into the net, but the VAR system confirmed the offside position and the goal was disallowed.
The final minutes were played at a high pace. Uruguay desperately sought the winning goal, while Cape Verde defended with sacrifice and sought counterattacks.
In the 86th minute, Brian Rodríguez had a good chance after a pass from Valverde, but his attempt was deflected for a corner. Four minutes later, Valverde himself tried a free kick, but the ball went wide.
The best chance of the match came in the second minute of extra time. Darwin Núñez crossed into the area, goalkeeper Vozinha failed to clear the ball, but Valverde missed it by a few centimeters in front of the empty goal.
In the 93rd minute, Canobbio missed another good opportunity, while in the following action Bentancur saved Uruguay from a very dangerous counterattack by the Africans with a decisive intervention.
After the final whistle, the score remained 2-2.
Group situation
This draw puts Cape Verde in a very favorable position to aim for a historic qualification. The African team has its fate in its hands before facing Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, Uruguay will have to look for a positive result against Spain to avoid an early elimination, in a group that on paper seemed manageable, but which has now become a real challenge for Marcelo Bielsa's team.
Uruguay – Cape Verde 2-2
Goals: Maxi Araújo 43', Canobbio 45+6' – Kevin Pina 21', Hélio Varela 61'
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