MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — FIFA World Cup debutant Cape Verde continued its remarkable giant-killing campaign after rallying from a halftime deficit to force favored Uruguay into a 2-2 draw, keeping its knockout-stage hopes alive in Group H action on Sunday night (Monday in the Philippines).
Helio Valera struck the decisive equalizer in the second half as the African nation secured a second straight draw in its maiden World Cup appearance, frustrating a Uruguay side that entered the match as the clear favorite.
Cape Verde drew first blood through Kevin Pina, who etched his name in history by scoring the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. Uruguay, however, responded with goals from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio to seize a 2-1 advantage before halftime.
The resilient Cape Verdeans refused to back down and found the equalizer after the break, ensuring another valuable point in a group that remains tightly contested.
Uruguay pushed aggressively for a late winner but squandered several opportunities. Federico Valverde fired a free kick over the bar in the 90th minute, while Canobbio missed another chance deep into stoppage time.
Despite dominating possession and holding a 17-12 advantage in total shots, Uruguay struggled with accuracy and managed only two shots on target. Cape Verde proved more clinical, producing four attempts on goal.
The draw left both Cape Verde and Uruguay with two points after two matches, trailing Group H leader Spain, which overwhelmed Saudi Arabia, 4-0, earlier in the day.
In Group G, Iran earned another crucial point after battling Belgium to a scoreless draw in Inglewood, California.
Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered another standout performance, making seven saves to secure his second consecutive clean sheet of the tournament and help Iran extend its unbeaten start.
The turning point came in the 66th minute when Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy received a red card for hauling down an Iranian attacker after a misplaced back pass created a clear scoring opportunity.
Even with a one-man advantage for the final 30 minutes, Iran struggled to capitalize. Belgium still controlled 68 percent of possession, outshot Iran 7-3 in shots on target, and completed 608 passes compared to Iran’s 269.
Elsewhere, Japan recorded its first victory of the tournament with a commanding 4-0 rout of Tunisia, while Egypt came from behind to defeat New Zealand, 3-1./PN
