Cape Verde‘s Sidny Lopes Cabral warned Uruguay that their historic draw with Spain has given the tournament debutants “more trust in ourselves”.
An outstanding defensive performance and a memorable showing from goalkeeper Vozinha saw Cape Verde hold the European champions to a goalless draw to secure their first World Cup point.
They are likely to be given little chance of repeating the feat against Uruguay, but full-back Cabral made it clear Cape Verde are aiming high and are not simply content with their memorable result against Spain.
Asked if the opening draw had given Cape Verde more hope, Cabral replied: “Not hope.
“Before we came here, we had the goal. The goal is to go through the group phase. So this game gave us more power, more trust in ourselves.
“We know our qualities and we know what we do.”
Uruguay missed the chance to take advantage of Spain’s slip up and take control of Group H.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men had to come from behind to claim a point in their first game as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia.
Maxi Araujo’s 80th-minute equaliser ensured a share of the spoils, but Uruguay’s performance means there remains significant pressure on Bielsa to turn around their underwhelming form.
And with the two-time champions set to face Spain in their final group stage game, Uruguay have no room for error as they seek to avoid a shock result that would leave them staring an early exit in the face.
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Team news for Uruguay v Cape Verde
There are no injury worries for Uruguay or Cape Verde.
Bielsa may be tempted to make a change up front after Darwin Nunez struggled against Saudi Arabia.
Predicted line-ups for Uruguay v Cape Verde
Uruguay: Muslera; Varela, Caceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Valverde, Bentancur, Ugarte, Araujo; Canobbio, Nunez
Cape Verde: Vozinha; Moreira, Borges, Lopes, S Cabral; Duarte, Lenini, Monteiro; Mendes, Livramento, J Cabral
Where to watch Uruguay v Cape Verde: TV and online streams
Uruguay v Cape Verde kicks off at 11:00pm UK time on Sunday. It will be broadcast on BBC One and is also available to watch on the iPlayer and via the BBC Sport website.
Stats for Uruguay v Cape Verde
- This will be the first meeting between Uruguay and Cape Verde.
- Cape Verde have lost their only two meetings with CONMEBOL opposition.
- Uruguay have lost just one of their last nine group games at the World Cup.
- Those nine matches have seen just 15 goals overall.
- Uruguay are winless in their last five games, while Cape Verde are unbeaten in their last four.
- Cape Verde have not conceded a goal in their last 311 minutes of play. They last conceded in a friendly against Finland in March.
- Uruguay are unbeaten in five World Cup matches against African opposition (W3, D2).
Prediction for Uruguay v Cape Verde
Given the lack of goals in Uruguay games, there’s reason to believe Cape Verde could deliver another resolute defensive display. Still, the South American side will be expected to find a way through.
Prediction: Uruguay 1-0 Cape Verde
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