Olivera error costs Uruguay in dramatic draw with Cape Verde Islands

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·22 June 2026

Olivera error costs Uruguay in dramatic draw with Cape Verde Islands

Uruguay squandered a 2–1 halftime lead as Cape Verde Islands twice came from behind to secure a 2–2 draw in their World Cup Group H clash at Hard Rock Stadium. Kevin Lenini's 21st-minute free kick became Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal before Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio struck in first-half stoppage time to turn the match around.

The debutants refused to accept defeat, with substitute Hélio Varela capitalising on Mathías Olivera's misplaced backpass to equalise at 61 minutes, just three minutes after entering the pitch. Both teams now sit on two points heading into decisive final group matches. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Uruguay v Cape Verde Islands.

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Winners

Maxi Araújo (Uruguay)

The outstanding individual performer across both teams, Maxi Araújo was directly involved in both Uruguayan goals during a devastating spell of first-half stoppage time. His predatory instincts were on full display when he headed home the equaliser at 44 minutes after Sidny Lopes Cabral's clearance struck the post.

Two minutes into added time, Araújo rose between Cape Verde's centre-backs to meet Manuel Ugarte's cross and lay the ball off for Agustín Canobbio to finish from close range. His aerial ability and movement caused constant problems for the opposing defence throughout.

Araújo also had a goal disallowed for offside at 68 minutes after following up a save by Vozinha. His substitution at 81 minutes removed Uruguay's most dangerous attacking threat, and they failed to find a winner without him as the match ended level.

Hélio Varela (Cape Verde Islands)

Three minutes changed everything for Hélio Varela. Introduced at 58 minutes as part of a double substitution, the forward needed barely any time to write himself into Cape Verde football history with the goal that salvaged a point for the debutants.

When Mathías Olivera's short backpass fell short of Sebastián Cáceres, Varela pounced. He controlled the ball on his left thigh, dribbled around the advancing Fernando Muslera, and finished calmly with his right foot into the empty net from outside the area at 61 minutes.

The goal sparked emotional celebrations, with teammates lifting Varela while those on the bench were visibly moved. His clinical finishing ensured Cape Verde extended their unbeaten run at their debut World Cup to two matches, keeping qualification hopes alive heading into the final group game.

Loser

Mathías Olivera (Uruguay)

A difficult afternoon for Mathías Olivera was defined by one costly moment that undid Uruguay's hard-fought lead. Already booked at 58 minutes for fouling Benchimol, the left-back then committed the error that allowed Cape Verde back into the match just three minutes later.

Attempting to play a short pass back to Sebastián Cáceres, Olivera's ball fell short and was intercepted by the freshly introduced Hélio Varela. With Fernando Muslera committed and rushing off his line, Varela rounded the goalkeeper to score into an empty net and level the match at 2–2.

While Olivera contributed to attacking play down the left flank with forward runs and crosses, his defensive lapse proved decisive. Teammates consoled him after the error, but the damage was done as Uruguay's grip on the match slipped away and two points were dropped.