Cape Verde’s Cinderella World Cup run stays intact with draw against Uruguay

The country is one of the smallest in the 48-team tournament, making their debut. The team was given one of the toughest draws in the event with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H. But the country got through its two toughest opponents with draws.

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Cape Verde wasn’t able to score in their World Cup debut against Spain, but found the back of the net twice against Uruguay. Kevin Pina scored on a free kick and Helio Varela scored the equalizer. The draw inched Cape Verde closer to the knockout stage.

“This is something we owe to other smaller national teams — teams that struggled to qualify for a world tournament,” Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão said through an interpreter.

Cape Verde now has two points.

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“We’re also here to show that a country may be small, may struggle financially, but if they are resilient, if they can endure struggle, they can also stand shoulder to shoulder with other major teams and with players who are on another level,” the coach added.

Uruguay took a 2-1 lead after Maxi Arújo and Agustin Canobbio put their shots into the back of the net. But it was Varela who nailed the game-tying goal minutes after joining the game.

“I dreamed of this,” he said. “But I never imagined it would happen this way. Scoring my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is incredible. I have no words.”

Cape Verde has a chance to get into the World Cup’s Round of 32 on Friday should they pick up a win over Saudi Arabia. Spain will take on Uruguay.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.