
Uruguay


Cape Verde Islands
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2.28
Expected goals (xG)
0.77
-0.35
Goals Prevented
-0.35
Passing
411 (83%)
Accurate passes
190 (74%)
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23
G
Fernando Muslera
25
D
Juan Sanabria
D
Mathías Olivera
3
D
Sebastián Cáceres
13
D
Guillermo Varela
5
M
Manuel Ugarte
M
Maximiliano Araújo
44′
8
M
Federico Valverde (C)
M
Rodrigo Bentancur
M
Agustín Canobbio
45+6′
21
F
Federico Viñas
Substitutes
19
F
Rodrigo Aguirre
26
M
Rodrigo Zalazar
15
M
Emiliano Martínez
11
M
Facundo Pellistri
22
D
Joaquín Piquerez
24
D
Santiago Bueno
17
D
Matías Viña
2
D
José María Giménez
1
G
Sergio Rochet
12
G
Santiago Mele
F
Brian Rodríguez
F
Darwin Núñez
M
Nicolás de la Cruz
1
G
Vozinha
D
Sidny Lopes Cabral
3
D
Diney Borges
4
D
Pico
22
D
Steven Moreira
11
M
Garry Rodrigues
10
M
Jamiro Monteiro
18
M
Telmo Arcanjo
20
M
Ryan Mendes (C)
9
F
Gilson Tavares
Substitutes
19
F
Dailon Rocha Livramento
7
F
Jovane Cabral
17
F
Willy Semedo
8
M
João Paulo
25
D
Kelvin Pires
24
D
Wagner Pina
5
D
Logan Costa
2
D
Stopira
23
G
CJ Dos Santos
12
G
Márcio Rosa
M
Yannick Semedo
M
Laros Duarte
F
Nuno Da Costa
F
Hélio Varela
61′
M
Deroy Duarte

World Cup Standings – Group H
Uruguay and Cape Verde Islands shared the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Hard Rock Stadium after Hélio Varela struck to deny the South Americans a victory.
This highly anticipated World Cup group match promised high drama from the start. Uruguay entered the tournament as strong favorites, while Cape Verde aimed to cause a major upset on the global stage.
The match began at a frantic pace in Miami. Sidny Lopes Cabral received an early yellow card in the fifth minute, and Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur also saw yellow after 20 minutes.
Just a minute after Bentancur’s booking, Cape Verde shocked the stadium. Kevin Lenini fired a powerful shot into the back of the net in the 21st minute to give the underdogs a lead.
Uruguay responded by dominating possession and driving forward. In the 44th minute, Maximiliano Araújo leveled the score, side-footing a precise finish into the net after a clever passing move.
The South Americans struck again deep in first-half stoppage time. Agustín Canobbio guided home a dramatic goal in the 45+6th minute to complete a rapid turnaround before the referee blew for half-time.
Uruguay went into the break with a 2-1 lead. However, Cape Verde refused to surrender and adjusted their tactical shape to limit Uruguay’s space in the second half.
Uruguay defender Mathías Olivera received a yellow card in the 58th minute. Just three minutes later, Cape Verde punished a defensive lapse to find their way back into the game.
Substitute Hélio Varela made an instant impact off the bench. In the 61st minute, Varela drilled a low shot into the corner to make it 2-2 and stun the opposition.
Uruguay dominated the final half-hour, searching for a late winner. Federico Valverde tried to spark the attack, but the African side defended deeply and blocked multiple shots to protect their point.
The statistics showed Uruguay’s dominance, as they held 66 percent of possession and took 16 shots. However, they only managed two on target, finishing with an expected goals rating of 2.28.
This hard-fought draw leaves both nations with one point in the group standings. Uruguay must improve their clinical edge, while Cape Verde will gain massive confidence from this resilient performance.
