Darwin Nunez was unable to inspire Uruguay as they laboured to a 2-2 draw with World Cup minnows Cape Verde. The 26-year-old former Liverpool striker was introduced as a substitute with 20 minutes remaining but could not secure victory for the South Americans.
Nunez Benched as Uruguay Struggle
Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa left Nunez out of the starting lineup for the Group H encounter. The team was seeking to bounce back after a 1-1 stalemate with Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture. Nunez entered the fray tasked with spearheading the attack and posed a threat, including a delivery that captain Fede Valverde failed to convert from close range.
The result leaves Uruguay in second place on two points, level with Cape Verde, who meet Saudi Arabia. Uruguay must now claim at least a point against Spain in their final group fixture to stand any chance of reaching the knockout rounds.
Pressure Mounts on Bielsa
The heat intensified on Bielsa after faltering against the nation ranked 67th in the FIFA world rankings amid suggestions that the squad is already divided. Uruguayan icon and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez watched from the stands, appearing animated throughout the match. Cameras caught the veteran striker looking devastated after the final whistle.
Reports last week indicated that Nunez was poised to return to Liverpool following the World Cup as part of an overhaul under new head coach Andoni Iraola. However, those claims have since been dismissed by numerous outlets.
Nunez's Barren Run Continues
Nunez's difficulties have persisted following a torrid spell in the Middle East with Al Hilal, where he was de-registered to make way for Karim Benzema. The striker's barren run for his country continued, moving close to two years since he last found the net for Uruguay on June 28, 2024, scoring once in a 5-0 demolition of Bolivia at the Copa America.
Against Cape Verde, Nunez could do little to influence matters as Uruguay repeatedly shot itself in the foot. They fell behind in the first half when Kevin Pina's long-range free-kick stunned goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. A rapid double from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio on the stroke of half-time swung the contest back in their favour. However, a catastrophic defensive error from Mathias Olivera proved costly as Cape Verde drew level. The Napoli defender made a hash of a clearance from their own throw-in, and as Muslera rushed out to cover the mistake, Helio Varela pounced and slotted into an unguarded net.
Expert Doubts Uruguay's Prospects
Speaking as part of BBC Sport's coverage, former Premier League striker Benni McCarthy cast doubt on Uruguay's prospects 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."
