World Cup debutants Cape Verde scored a second-half equalizer to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami, backing up their shock opening stalemate with Spain.

Cape Verde took a surprise 21st-minute lead as Kevin Pina scored their first World Cup goal from a free-kick, only for Uruguay to strike twice shortly before half-time through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio.

But 40-year-old Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s mistake allowed Helio Varela to grab Cape Verde’s second just after the hour mark, and neither side could find a winner.

Cape Verde boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout phase with their second point in Group H. They face Saudi Arabia in their final group game, knowing victory would secure a last-32 berth.

Two-time world champions Uruguay’s hopes of progressing are in serious danger after again being held by lower-ranked opposition. They may need to beat European champions Spain to avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit.

Source: www.aljazeera.com