Helio Varela came off the bench to earn Cabo Verde a battling 2-2 draw with Group H rivals Uruguay as the World Cup shock troops continued their fairytale journey in Miami.
After holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw on their tournament debut on Monday, the African minnows were forced to fight back to earn a point that boosts their hopes of reaching the last 32.
Kevin Pina struck the opener from a long-range free-kick on 21 minutes only for fine finishes in the closing minutes of the first half from Maxi Araújo 44′ and AgustÃn Cano 45’+6′ to turn the match on its head before half-time.
But Cabo Verde showed some wonderful resolve to earn a merited point when Varela, who had replaced Garry Rodrigues moments earlier, rounded Muslera to net with a fine finish on 61 minutes after some sloppy play by MathÃas Olivera in needlessly giving away the ball.
Both side had chances to win the match in a hectic finale, but the draw is arguably a better draw for Cabo Verde, who will reach the last 32 if they defeat Saudi Arabia on Saturday in their final match of the section.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay will need to avoid defeat to Spain if they are to avoid a disastrous early exit at the group stage.
