Overview
In their first appearance at the World Cup, Cabo Verde created a big shock when they drew 0-0 with Spain. Despite having to endure 27 shots in nearly 100 minutes of play, the African representative still stood firm thanks to a disciplined defense system and the excellent performance of goalkeeper Vozinha.
Coincidentally, Uruguay also launched exactly 27 shots in the opening match but only drew 1-1 against Saudi Arabia. Marcelo Bielsa's team had to rely on Maxi Araujo's late equalizer in the 80th minute to avoid a disappointing defeat.
With what they have shown against Spain, Cabo Verde is likely to continue to choose a crowded defensive style of play in Miami. This tactic has been maximally effective when they only fouled once in the whole match, at least for any team at the World Cup since 1966, even though they only controlled the ball by less than 26%.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha continues to be Cabo Verde's biggest hope. At the age of 40, he made seven saves against Spain, the best record of a goalkeeper keeping a clean sheet against La Roja since 2020.
Ahead of Vozinha is a defense that plays bravely, most notably center-back Pico Lopes. This player has saved 11 times against Spain, the most for an African player in his World Cup debut since 2006.
However, Lopes and his teammates are likely to have to continue working at full capacity. Uruguay is the team that made the most live crosses in Group A-H in the first match, with 34 crosses from the wing into the penalty area. Although only nine successful crosses, this approach shows Bielsa's direct attacking intention.
Maxi Araujo is still Uruguay's most important creative factor. In addition to the equalizing goal against Saudi Arabia, he also created five scoring chances, the best achievement of a Uruguayan player in a World Cup match since Diego Forlan in 2010.
Another impressive name is Mathias Olivera. Being pulled in to play as a center-back instead of his preferred full-back, this player leads Uruguay in the number of passes through the line, the number of times he put the ball forward and the number of successful tackles in the opening match.
However, Bielsa had reason to be dissatisfied with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's performance. His indecisive save created conditions for Abdulelah Al Amri to score the opening goal for Saudi Arabia.
If he continues to be given the opportunity to start against Cabo Verde, Muslera will surpass Edinson Cavani to become the Uruguayan player with the most appearances in World Cup history.
Head-to-head record
This match will mark the first time Uruguay and Cabo Verde have faced each other in history. Although the South American representative is still considered superior, Cabo Verde's shocking draw against Spain in the opening round is a reminder that any surprise can happen at the World Cup.
However, Uruguay has reason to be confident when entering this confrontation. They are still undefeated in all five encounters with African representatives at the World Cup, with a record of three wins and two draws.
Score prediction: Uruguay 3-0 Cabo Verde
The match between Uruguay and Cabo Verde takes place at 5:00 a.m. on June 22 (Vietnam time).
