World Cup debutants Cape Verde scored a second-half equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uruguay on Sunday 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 Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio.
But 40-year-old Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s mistake allowed Helio Varela to grab Cape Verde’s second goal 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.
The African island nation face Saudi Arabia, thumped 4-0 by Spain earlier Sunday, in their final group game next Saturday, knowing victory would secure a last-32 berth.
Two-time world champions Uruguay’s hopes of progressing are in serious danger, though, after again being held by lower-ranked opposition following their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.
The South Americans may need to beat European champions Spain next weekend to avoid a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes to the team that drew with Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal striker Darwin Nunez dropping to the bench.
Bubista opted for three alterations to his Cape Verde side, all in attacking positions.
Cape Verde started with greater attacking intent than they showed against Spain, but it was still Uruguay who created the first clear opportunity when Federico Valverde drilled a left-footed shot wide.
However, the World Cup debutants took the lead when Pina smashed a long-range free-kick through a poor Uruguay wall and beyond Muslera.
Uruguay were desperately in need of an equaliser when it finally arrived in the 44th minute.
Sidney Lopes Cabral headed the ball against his own post under pressure from Rodrigo Bentancur, and Araujo reacted quickest to nod home the rebound with Vozinha stranded.
The Uruguayans completed the comeback in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time, as Canobbio volleyed home after Araujo’s header across goal.
Uruguay appeared in control at the start of the second half until Muslera inexplicably rushed out of his goal in the 61st minute, allowing substitute Varela to take full advantage and roll the ball into an empty net after an excellent first touch.
Vozinha, the hero of Cape Verde’s draw with Spain, fumbled a shot that allowed Araujo to tap in, but the goalkeeper was rescued by an offside flag.
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde blasted a late free-kick over the bar from just outside the penalty area, leaving Uruguay on the brink of a hugely disappointing World Cup exit.