Cape Verde which is a collection of islands in the Atlantic Ocean with a total population of 500,000 people have just scored their first ever goal at the FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde in World Cup are playing against two-time champions Uruguay.
Cape Verde in World Cup is the smallest nation by land area at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has captured global attention with its first goal scored against Uruguay.
Cape Verde in World Cup 2026 Has Already Produced Two of the Most Dramatic Results in the Tournament
There were two results produced by Cape Verde in World Cup. Cape Verde held the European champions and tournament favorites to a shock 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha aged at 40 delivered a heroic performance with multiple key saves. This was Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup point and one of the biggest shocks of the opening week.
As Cape Verde stunned tournament favorite Spain last week, Cape Verde did it again on Sunday against Uruguay who is a two-time World Cup champion coming from behind for a 2-2 draw.
Kevin Pina scored a free kick for Cape Verde’s first goal in the World Cup, and Helio Varela scored the equalizer for what has become one of the most surprising teams of the expanded 48-team tournament.
How the Match Against Uruguay Actually Played Out
During the 21st minute of the match, Telmo Arcanjo won a free-kick making Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at a World Cup. Kevin Pina set the tone for their bravery by scoring a stunning long-range free-kick that went through the timid two-man Uruguay wall to send Cape Verde into more delirium.
By the 44th minute of the match, Uruguay equalizes in the match as Maximiliano Araújo popularly called Maxi Araújo headed home after a Rodrigo Bentancur effort came back off the post. Uruguay quickly found momentum.
However, getting to the 45+6 minute just before the half time, Uruguay took the lead as Agustín Canobbio finished a move involving Araújo’s knockdown, cushioning the ball past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
And on the 61st minute of the game, Cape Verde scored a second goal by Hélio Varela to equalize the game. Varela had only been on the pitch as a substitute for a couple of minutes. He capitalized on a poor sideways/back pass by Uruguay’s Mathías Olivera, which left goalkeeper Fernando Muslera exposed. Varela intercepted the ball, rounded Muslera, and slotted it into the empty net.
Who Is Vozinha and Why a 40-Year-Old Goalkeeper Has Become the Tournament’s Most Loved Figure
It was another special moment for Vozinha from Cape Verde as he became one of the tournament’s breakout stars after shutting down Spain. He was named Man of the Match and became the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on World Cup debut.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper had his mother in the stands for Sunday’s match. She was unable to attend Cape Verde’s opening draw against Spain because she couldn’t obtain a visa. His Instagram followers skyrocket from 50,000 to over 14 million overnight after the Spain performance.
Final Thoughts of Cape Verde in World Cup
For Cape Verde, this result means they can go into their final game against Saudi Arabia being confident that they can avoid defeat to take them into the round of 32. Uruguay likely needs something from their final game against Spain to qualify.
Cape Verde in World Cup has not won the game yet. But they have already won something more valuable than three points. They have won the hearts of an entire continent.
Are you backing Cape Verde to make it out of the group stage? Tell us below.
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