Tiny Nation Cape Verde Scores Historic First World Cup Goal Against Former Champions Uruguay
Messi’s Argentina Play Their Second Match Tonight at 10:30 PM
Miami: Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), a tiny West African nation with a population of just 600,000, is making headlines at this FIFA World Cup. Appearing in the tournament for the first time, the small island nation has already stunned the football world with two sensational draws. On Monday, Cape Verde achieved another milestone by scoring its first-ever World Cup goal.
In Group J, defending champions Argentina will face Austria today (10:30 PM IST). Both teams are level on three points at the top of the group. Last week, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to guide Argentina to a 3-0 victory, their first win of the tournament.
A few days ago, Cape Verde held former champions Spain to a 0-0 draw. On Monday, they followed that up with a 2-2 draw against another former World Cup-winning nation, Uruguay, beginning what could be a memorable chapter in the tournament’s 96-year history.
First-Ever World Cup Match Featuring Two Goalkeepers Aged Over 40
Cape Verde’s Vozinha and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera were the goalkeepers in the match. Coincidentally, both players are over 40 years old, making it the first time in World Cup history that both goalkeepers in the same match were aged 40-plus.
Kevin Pina Scores Stunning Goal From 98 Feet Away
Cape Verde midfielder Kevin Pina produced a moment of magic in the 21st minute, curling a free-kick from 33 yards (approximately 98 feet) directly into the net. The spectacular strike flew into the bottom corner of the goal, leaving spectators stunned and giving Cape Verde its first-ever World Cup goal.
The historic moment sparked wild celebrations among Cape Verde’s players on the field, while thousands of supporters in the stadium joined in the celebrations. Pina had also scored a remarkable long-range goal from a similar distance against Mozambique in the Africa Cup three years ago.
Uruguay responded in the 44th minute when Arroyo scored to make it 1-1. Cannobio then restored Uruguay’s lead late in the first half, putting his side ahead 2-1. However, Cape Verde refused to surrender, and Valera found the net in the 61st minute to level the match at 2-2, securing another historic result for the tournament debutants.
What Happened in Other Major Matches?
- The Netherlands defeated Sweden 5-1.
- Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1.
- Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match.
- Spain beat Saudi Arabia 3-0.
- Ecuador and Curaçao played out a 0-0 draw.
- Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1.
- Belgium and Iran drew 0-0.
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