Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could not inspire Uruguay as they laboured to a 2-2 draw with World Cup minnows Cape Verde, leaving their qualification hopes in serious doubt. The 26-year-old was dropped by manager Marcelo Bielsa for the Group H clash after Uruguay's disappointing 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in their opening match.
Nunez Introduced as Substitute
Nunez was introduced with 20 minutes remaining, handed the responsibility of leading the Uruguayan attack and dragging his side over the line. The Al-Hilal striker showed promising signs, including a cross that captain Fede Valverde could not convert from close range, but failed to find the net in an embarrassing night for Uruguay. The nation, ranked 67th in the FIFA world rankings, held the two-time World Cup winners to a draw.
Uruguay now need at least a point against Spain in their final group match to have a chance of progressing to the knockout stages. They currently sit second on two points, level with Cape Verde, who face Saudi Arabia.
Pressure Mounts on Bielsa
The pressure will build on former Leeds United head coach Bielsa after struggling against a side ranked 67th in the world, amid reports that the squad is already fractured. Uruguayan icon and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez watched on from the stands, looking crestfallen at full-time as his nation's World Cup hopes hung in the balance.
Last week, reports suggested that Nunez was set to re-sign for Liverpool after the World Cup as part of a rebuild under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Speculation emerged from South America that the 26-year-old, who won the Premier League before his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, had signed a deal to return to Merseyside. However, numerous outlets have dismissed the suggestion.
Nunez's Goal Drought Continues
On the pitch, Nunez's struggles continued after a nightmare spell with Al-Hilal, where he was de-registered to make room for Karim Benzema. His goal drought for Uruguay will stretch ever closer to two years when they face Spain on June 27. Nunez last found the back of the net for his country on June 28, 2024, scoring once in a 5-0 rout over Bolivia at the Copa America.
Against Cape Verde, Uruguay shot themselves in the foot on multiple occasions. They fell behind in the first half after Kevin Pina's long-range free-kick stunned goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. A quickfire two-goal salvo from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio on the stroke of half-time turned the game in their favour.
Defensive Error Costs Uruguay
However, a huge mistake at the back from Mathias Olivera was punished as Cape Verde equalised. The Napoli defender miscued a clearance from their own throw-in, and as Muslera charged out of his goal to rectify the error, Helio Varela nipped in and fired into an empty net.
Speaking as part of BBC Sport's coverage, former Premier League striker Benni McCarthy dismissed Uruguay's chances against Spain: "You can't (not) want to pick yourself up but in football, anything is possible. They will make themselves believe that they can get a result against Spain, I highly doubt it but what a complete missed opportunity for Uruguay."
