Population Context
The combined population of Uruguay and Cape Verde is approximately 4 million, with Uruguay accounting for about 3.4 million and Cape Verde around 525,000. This makes their match the smallest population represented in any group-stage game of the tournament. Only Curaçao, with a population of 185,000, is smaller than Cape Verde, and their group-stage opponents—Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador—have significantly larger populations.
Top 10 Countries in Population Status
Checking in on the top 10 countries by population and their progress so far:
- United States – performing adequately to date.
- Russia – suspended from competition.
- The next several populous countries have qualified for the tournament.
Starting Lineups
Uruguay: Muslera; Sanabria, Olivera, Caceres, Varela; Bentancur, Ugarte, Araújo, Valverde, Cano; Viñas.
The only change from the lineup that started their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia is Agustin Cano (Fluminense) replacing Viña (River Plate). Defender Ronald Araújo has been managing an injury and is absent from the starting XI again. Maxi Araújo, who scored in the opener, starts in midfield.
Cape Verde: Dias (“Vozinha”); Lopes Cabral, Borges (“Diney”), Lopes (“Pico”), Moreira; Pina, Rodrigues, Monteiro, Mendes, Arcanjo; Tavares (“Benchimol”).
Telmo Arcanjo enters the starting lineup after a brief substitute appearance against Spain. Gilson “Benchimol” Tavares and 35-year-old midfielder Garry Rodrigues also start, neither of whom played in the first game. Jovane Cabral, Laros Duarte, and Dailon Livramento are out.
Rodriguez was the first Dutch-born player to represent Cape Verde, debuting in 2013. Benchimol notably scored a hat trick against Liechtenstein in 2022.
Goalkeeping Highlights and Tournament Trends
This tournament has paradoxically been marked by high scoring, with an average of just over 3.0 goals per game—a figure not seen since the 1950s—and outstanding goalkeeping performances.
Eloy Room of Curaçao impressed spectators with 15 saves in a 90-minute match, the highest since modern record-keeping began. Tim Howard holds the record with 16 saves in an extra-time game, making him a memorable figure in U.S. soccer history.
Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered a performance that will be remembered alongside the best, particularly in the recent game against Belgium.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as “Vozinha,” has become an international sensation after his remarkable performance against Spain.
The key questions remain: Will Uruguay find a way past Vozinha? Can Cape Verde score their first World Cup goal? These are unexpected considerations just a month ago.
Contemplate these questions over the next few hours here.
Pre-Match Analysis
Beau will join shortly. Meanwhile, here is what to know about Uruguay and Cape Verde before their upcoming match in Miami.
Marcelo Bielsa has left a significant imprint on the Uruguay team. His 4-3-3 formation emphasizes direct football, enabling the team to press opponents high and relentlessly pursue the ball. Uruguay maintains constant attacking pressure when in possession.
Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, set the target: "Uruguay have to aspire to be in the world’s top 10 and therefore we have to reach the quarter-finals." He also addressed concerns about Uruguay’s form: "Bielsa is very excited for the World Cup. He’s got his mind focused on the preparations. His objective is to have a great World Cup. It’s his aspiration, the result of all his work, research and preparation."
The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde are navigating uncharted waters as they make their World Cup debut, but they are not to be underestimated. The small archipelago off the west African coast played its first World Cup qualifier in 2000. If any team can handle the pressure of a rapid ascent in world football, it is Cape Verde. Their national slogan, "morabeza," roughly translates to "no stress," a mentality they will need as they face Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in Group H.
Coach Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, has assembled an eclectic 26-man squad representing 25 clubs across 14 countries. Interestingly, more players were born in Rotterdam (six) than in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia. For a nation shaped by immigration, managing complex identities and languages is embraced rather than seen as a challenge.
