Share to ClassroomCape Verde Hold Uruguay, Near Next Round
Cape Verde, one of the smallest countries to play at the World Cup, drew 2-2 with Uruguay on Sunday. Uruguay have won the World Cup twice. The Group H game was played in Florida. Cape Verde were losing, but they fought back. Kevin Pina scored their first goal of the tournament with a free-kick. Helio Varela then made it 2-2 in the 61st minute. The team had twelve shots and played very well.
This result is part of an amazing story. Cape Verde is a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean with about 525,000 people. It is the country's first World Cup. In its first game, Cape Verde also drew 0-0 with Spain, a much stronger team. The team is now 63rd in the world rankings. The coach said the team shows that small, poorer countries can play against the best.
Cape Verde are now third in Group H. They have two points, the same as Uruguay. They have not lost in two games. No new World Cup team had done this since Senegal in 2002. Their last group game is against Saudi Arabia. A win would take them into the next round. They could also go through with a draw if Spain beats Uruguay.
