Miami Gardens (Florida): Cape Verde's magical start to its first World Cup is not over. It may only be just beginning.
The tiny island nation that stunned tournament favourites Spain last week did it again against Uruguay on Sunday, coming from behind to secure a 2-2 draw.
Kevin Pina scored from a free-kick for Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal, while Helio Varela netted the equaliser for what has become one of the surprise stories of the expanded 48-team tournament — a side that now has a genuine chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Cape Verdean fans, who watched their team pull off one of the shocks of the tournament by holding Spain to a goalless draw last week, had more reason to celebrate when Pina fired a powerful strike past diving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to give his side a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute.
Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio scored two quick goals late in the first half to put Uruguay ahead, but Varela, only minutes after entering the match, caught Muslera off his line and scored the equaliser in the second half for his first international goal.
Varela celebrated by leaping into the arms of his teammates and flexing atop their shoulders as Muslera and several Uruguay players lowered their heads in disappointment.
It was another memorable moment for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who became one of the breakout stars of the tournament after his impressive performance against Spain.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper had his mother in attendance for the match after she was unable to watch Cape Verde's opening draw against Spain because she could not obtain a visa.
It was also the first World Cup match to feature two starting goalkeepers aged 40 or older. Muslera, who made his 18th World Cup appearance, turned 40 on June 16.