Cape Verde manager Bubista has condemned Uruguay’s Federico Vinas for abandoning an injured opponent to join a counter-attack that levelled their gripping World Cup Group H clash in Miami.
Vinas had been helping Cape Verde’s Telmo Arcanjo, who was suffering from cramp in the closing moments of the first half. But he abruptly stopped treating the stricken player to sprint back into play, moments before Uruguay equalised through Maximiliano Araujo.
“Cape Verde boss slams Uruguay's Vinas for abandoning injured player to score; teams draw 2-2.”
“I was upset by that, because Bielsa taught us to have fair play,” Bubista told reporters, referring to Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa. “We learned what fair play was from his attitude. It felt frustrating, but that’s part of the game.”
Cape Verde had taken the lead through Kevin Pina before the incident turned the momentum. Uruguay then edged ahead in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio struck, but substitute Helio Varela dragged the tournament debutants back level to secure a 2-2 draw.
Bubista acknowledged his own side could have acted differently. “We could have kicked the ball off the pitch, but we’re trying to do things our own way,” he said. “It’s also natural that players will sometimes feel pressured and we can say that about the Uruguay team as well. We can only grow from what happened.”
The clash of sporting values went viral on social media, with fans divided. One wrote: “Country first. Can’t blame him,” while another demanded: “Can’t they disallow goals for unsportsmanlike behaviour.”
Cape Verde have now collected two points from their opening two World Cup games, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. Uruguay, two-time champions, face Spain in their final group fixture, while Cape Verde will meet their remaining Group H opponent.