Cape Verde scores first World Cup goal in historic moment vs. Uruguay

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Cape Verde have scored their first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup against Uruguay, another milestone for the tournament debutants. Kevin Pina scored in the 21st minute off a free kick, slotting the ball in the right corner past a line of Uruguay defenders, causing the crowd to go wild.Fans around the stadium erupted hugs and tears, as Pina ran to the Cape Verde fan section to join his country in celebration. The tiny island nation of roughly 500,000 quickly became a surprise World Cup success story following their 0-0 Spain draw.“Our team has shown the Cape Verdean identity,” manager Pedro Leitão Brito—aka Bubista—said through a translator prior to the match. “With our grit to fight for things, however hard they may be. To fight for them with character.” The goal was another chapter in the island’s improbable rise from World Cup newcomer to one of the most captivating teams of the tournament. The underdogs gained global attention after last Monday’s draw, enticing new fans and turning its historic run into a hot topic.“We are not here doing this just for Cape Verde but for every child in Africa, and every underdog around the world,” Bubista said.Cape Verde leads 1-0 in the 23rd minute, as the Blue Sharks look to continue their momentum in the Miami heat. Katie Fryburger is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.