Cape Verde substitute Helio Varela scored two minutes after coming on in the second half to secure a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Varela pounced on a loose back pass from Uruguay's Mathias Olivera, drawing the goalkeeper off his line and firing into an empty net.
Match Details
The match took place on June 22, 2026, as part of the group stage. Uruguay initially took the lead but Cape Verde fought back to level the score. Varela's goal was a result of a defensive error by Olivera, who misjudged his back pass, allowing Varela to intercept and score.
Impact on Standings
The draw leaves both teams with one point each in the group standings. Uruguay, a traditional powerhouse, will need to improve their performance in upcoming matches to advance. Cape Verde, considered underdogs, demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline.
