Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha did not keep a clean sheet this time, but his side came away from Sunday Group H encounter with something arguably more valuable — proof that their first World Cup draw against Spain was not a fluke. Uruguay dropped two points in a 2-2 draw that felt more like a defeat for the South American side.
The Blue Sharks Defensive Wall
Vozinha made six saves across the ninety minutes, twice denying Darwin Nunez with stops that drew gasps from the crowd. Cape Verde set up with a compact defensive block and looked to counter quickly using Julio Tavares pace to stretch Uruguay. It was disciplined defending from a side containing several players from Portugal lower leagues and the French second tier.
Araujo Saves Uruguay Blushes
Cape Verde took a shock lead through a well-worked set piece before half-time. Marcel Cana had a hand in the goal and Cape Verde block held firm against wave after wave of Uruguayan pressure. It was Araujo who eventually broke through — his composure in the 72nd minute to equalise was followed twelve minutes later by the assist for the goal that gave Uruguay the 2-1 advantage. A late equaliser through substitute Kenny Rocha Santos at the back post brought the group back to level.
Group H Wide Open Into Matchday 3
Spain lead with four points while Egypt sit second on four points. Cape Verde and Uruguay are both on one point, meaning both sides need a win on Matchday 3 to stand any chance of progressing. Nobody is writing off Cape Verde anymore. After back-to-back draws against Spain and Uruguay, the Blue Sharks have earned the right to be taken seriously.
Match facts: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde, Group H Matchday 2. Araujo goal and assist. Vozinha saves 6. Group H: Spain 4pts, Egypt 4pts, Cape Verde 1pt, Uruguay 1pt.
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