Uruguay vs Cape Verde Preview: Can Lightning Strike Twice? | OneFootball

Uruguay vs Cape Verde will be the second fixture in Group H this week.

Before Group H kicked off, Spain and Uruguay were easily expected to emerge from the group with little to no trouble. Instead, on Matchday 1, Spain was held to a frustrating goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde, while Uruguay had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.

Suddenly, all four nations sit level on one point heading into Matchday 2.

For Uruguay, victory would restore control of its qualification hopes before a final-day meeting with Spain. For Cape Verde, another positive result would definitively place the Blue Sharks in the great stories of World Cup history.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde: What Is Bielsa Thinking?

Uruguay’s opening performance against Saudi Arabia poised more questions than answers.

La Celeste enjoyed lengthy periods of control and created several dangerous moments, but they never looked entirely comfortable, especially during the first half which was completely dominated by Saudi Arabia.

Defensive mistakes gifted the Green Falcons the lead, while Uruguay’s attack struggled to consistently convert chances. Maximiliano Araújo eventually equalized in the second half, but three points should have been guaranteed had Uruguay played better in the first half.

Marcelo Bielsa’s teams are typically defined by intensive pressing and vertical attacking play. Against Saudi Arabia, however, they appeared disconnected until halftime. The midfield controlled possession but often lacked runners in dangerous areas, while the attacking line struggled to establish any sort of threat.

Star forward Darwin Nuñez was hooked off at half time and that did help in changing the game a little bit in the second period.

Failure to defeat Cape Verde would leave Uruguay heading into its final group-stage showdown against Spain in an extremely vulnerable position. With this being the most unstable group where results could go anywhere, Uruguay need to assure they are in the most comfortable spot before their final fixture.

Cape Verde’s Dream Continues

What a story it has been for Cape Verde.

The island nation of around 600,000 people arrived in North America simply hoping to make memories and enjoy a decent World Cup debut.

But their opening performance against Spain blew everyone’s expectations away.

Facing the reigning European champions, Cape Verde produced one of the most memorable displays of the tournament. Spain dominated possession and attempted 27 shots, but the Blue Sharks remained organized and composed throughout the match. Remarkably, they committed just one foul during the entire match, the fewest recorded by any team in a World Cup game since records began in 1966.

Goalkeeper Vozinha became an overnight sensation thanks to his heroics.

At 40 years old, he produced seven saves and instantly became one of the breakout stars of the tournament. But reducing Cape Verde’s achievement solely to its goalkeeper would be unfair.

This is a side that has toiled and tried for years and years to get where they are. Much of the squad plays club soccer across Portugal, France, and the Netherlands, bringing experience from some of Europe’s strongest footballing environments. Their defensive organization is not accidental. It is the product of years of development and refinement, all masterminded by head coach Bubista.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde: How the Teams Will Set Up

Against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay occasionally became predictable.

Now that La Celeste has more or less found its feet after that lackluster first half, expect Bielsa’s men to build on the momentum they generated after the break.

Uruguay will likely assume control of possession and attempt to dictate the tempo through midfield. Federico Valverde’s ability to drive forward with the ball and Manuel Ugarte’s capacity to recover possession quickly should allow La Celeste to establish dominance against a Cape Verde side that will undoubtedly attempt to repeat the blueprint that worked against Spain.

The Blue Sharks are expected to defend compactly and limit spaces between their defensive and midfield lines. They will happily surrender possession if it means maintaining their shape.

Their opportunities are likely to emerge in transition, where the pace and movement of players like Ryan Mendes and Deroy Duarte could become dangerous.

They will also be hoping for another goalkeeping masterclass from Vozinha, who could probably gain another 10 million followers with a repeat performance.

Head To Head

Erm, these teams have never faced each other before – not even in a friendly.

Uruguay were the first ever World Champions in 1930. Cape Verde didn’t even play professional football until 1978. What an incredible story it would be if they did what they did against Spain, to Uruguay.

Uruguay are winless in their last five games, finding the back of the net only three times. Cape Verde meanwhile have only lost one out of their last four games, seeing out European opponents like Spain and Serbia in that run.

Team News and Prediction

Expect Uruguay to field a lineup similar to the one that started against Saudi Arabia despite Bielsa making early changes in that game.

Darwin Núñez did not match the rhythm Bielsa was seeking, but I still expect him to start and receive another opportunity to impress.

Ronald Araújo has not yet returned to full fitness, so he may feature only as a late substitute. Flamengo midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta also remains unavailable.

Expected XI: Uruguay vs Cape Verde

Likewise, Cape Verde will try to stick with what worked so brilliantly against Spain.

Barring any fatigue concerns after such an intense game, the starting lineup should remain unchanged. Jovane Cabral took a knock in the previous match but is expected to return.

Expected XI: Uruguay vs Cape Verde

Prediction: While we would all love to see another Cape Verde miracle, maybe lightning doesn’t strike twice this time. We would all love it if it does, but I see Uruguay getting a tight 1-0 win in this fixture to blow the group wide open.