Uruguay and Cabo Verde shared the points in a lively 2-2 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens in FIFA World Cup Group H.
The crowd of 64,003 saw big swings, a late VAR intervention, and a Player of the Match performance from Maximiliano Araújo. Uruguay dominated much of the ball and territory, but Cabo Verde’s efficiency and defensive resolve kept the game level at full time.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side trailed early, surged ahead by the break, then watched a brave Cabo Verde equalizer survive the second‑half storm. Uruguay produced more and better chances, yet Cabo Verde earned their draw with rugged defending and well‑timed counterpunches.
Cabo Verde struck first on 21 minutes through Kevin Lenini, who finished with his right foot past Fernando Muslera. It was a jolt against the run of play, given Uruguay’s early control and aerial edge. Uruguay then flipped the script before the interval.
Maximiliano Araújo made it 1-1 with a header on 44 minutes, meeting service inside the box.
In first‑half stoppage time, Araújo turned provider. His pass found Agustín Canobbio, who buried the chance for 2-1. Uruguay took a deserved lead into halftime, built on dominance in possession and entries into the final third.
After the break, Cabo Verde responded quickly. Substitute Hélio Varela equalized in the 61st minute with his first shot on target. Ten minutes later, the stadium rose again when Araújo thought he had a second, only for VAR to rule the goal.
Uruguay brought on Darwin Núñez and Nicolás de la Cruz on 70, and later Brian Rodríguez for extra width, but a late winner never arrived.
The cards were light: early yellows for Sidny Lopes Cabral and Rodrigo Bentancur set the tone, with Mathías Olivera cautioned after the break and Diney Borges booked in stoppage time. Referee Espen Eskas managed eight minutes of added time in the second half without further drama.
It ended level, and probably tougher on Uruguay given the balance of chances.
