Cape Verde manager Bubista has expressed his anger after Uruguay forward Federico Vinas stopped helping an injured opponent to join a counter-attack that led to a goal during their World Cup group-stage match. The incident occurred in the closing moments of the first half of the 2-2 draw in Miami on Sunday evening.
Vinas abandons injured player for counter-attack
Vinas had been assisting Cape Verde's Telmo Arcanjo, who was suffering from cramp, but abruptly left him to rejoin his Uruguay teammates on a counter-attack. The move resulted in Uruguay equalising through Maximiliano Araujo just before half-time. Uruguay then took the lead in stoppage time via Agustin Canobbio, before Cape Verde's Helio Varela levelled the score in the second half.
Bubista cites Bielsa's fair play principles
Bubista, whose full name is Bubista, directed his criticism at Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa, known for his emphasis on sportsmanship. “I was upset by that, because Bielsa taught us to have fair play,” Bubista told reporters. “That's in his press conferences, that's in the matches that his teams play. We learned what fair play was from his attitude.”
He added: “It felt frustrating, but that's part of the game and part of the experience of growing with the team. We could have done something to prevent that situation, we could have kicked the ball off the pitch, but we're trying to do things our own way. 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.”
Viral footage sparks mixed fan reactions
Footage of the incident went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions. One fan wrote: “Country first. Can’t blame him,” while another stated: “Can't they disallow goals for unsportsmanlike behaviour.” A third fan commented: “I laughed so hard in real time when I saw this.”
Group H standings and upcoming fixtures
Cape Verde have two points from two matches, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. Uruguay sit second in Group H with four points, two behind leaders Spain, who beat Saudi Arabia 4-0. The final round of group fixtures sees Uruguay face Spain and Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia.
