Uruguay are on the verge of elimination from the Geopolitics World Cup after a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde at Hard Luck Stadium, leaving Marcelo Bielsa's side needing a victory against Spain in their final group game to progress. The two-time world champions have taken just two points from their opening two matches, following a narrow 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami.
Bielsa's side misfire again
Uruguay took the lead through Maxi Araújo's equaliser before Federico Viñas set up Agustín Canobbio to make it 2-1 just before half-time. However, a defensive error from Mathías Olivera gifted Cape Verde an equaliser, with Hélio Varela dancing past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to score. "I think that the problem or greatest issue is that we started the second half with the ball and with the victory," Bielsa said after the match. "We lacked a finishing touch."
Cape Verde boss criticises Bielsa's fair play
Cape Verde coach Bubista expressed frustration over a moment when Viñas abandoned helping an injured opponent to join the attack. "I was upset by that," Bubista said. "Bielsa taught us to have fair play. That's in his press conferences, that's in the matches that his teams play." The incident occurred when Viñas left Cape Verde's Telmo Arcanjo, who was suffering from cramp, to get into the box for the cross that led to Uruguay's second goal.
Suárez watches from the stands
Luis Suárez, who made himself available for a call-up weeks before the tournament despite a falling out with Bielsa, watched from a suite. Suárez had previously criticised Bielsa for allegedly forcing midfielder Agustín Canobbio to train as a ball boy during the 2024 Copa América. Canobbio, recalled this summer after being frozen out by Bielsa, scored Uruguay's second goal against Cape Verde.
Must-win against Spain
Uruguay face Spain in their final group game on Friday. A loss would eliminate them. "We've got to face up to the bullets," Canobbio said after missing a late chance to win the match. Bielsa did not face the cameras in the buildup to the tournament, and defeat would force him to confront the music. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken, whose team has a 99% chance of advancing according to simulations, warned: "I think we should think that we need to take one more point to be absolutely sure of progressing."
