Uruguay 2-2 Cabo Verde - World Cup result as super sub Helio Varela scores equaliser to stun Marcelo Bielsa's side in epic Miami battle

Helio Varela came off the bench to earn Cabo Verde a battling 2-2 draw with Group H rivals Uruguay, as the World Cup debutants continued their fairytale journey in Miami.

After holding European champions Spain to a shock 0-0 draw on their tournament bow on Monday, the African minnows, ranked 63 in the FIFA standings, were forced to fight back to earn a point in one of the games of the finals so far, which boosts their hopes of reaching the last 32.

Kevin Pina struck the opener from a long-range free-kick on 21 minutes, only for fine finishes in the closing minutes of the first half from Maxi Araujo (44') and Agustin Canobbio (45+6') to turn the match on its head before half-time.

But Cabo Verde showed some wonderful resolve to earn a merited point when Varela, who had replaced Garry Rodrigues moments earlier, rounded Muslera to net with a brilliant goal on 61 minutes after some sloppy play by Mathias Olivera in needlessly giving away the ball.

Both sides had chances to win the match in a hectic finale, with Araujo having a potential winner disallowed for offside by VAR.

But the draw is arguably a better outcome for Cabo Verde, who will reach the knockout phase if they defeat Saudi Arabia on Saturday in their final match of the section.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay will need to avoid defeat to Spain if they are to dodge a disastrous early exit at the group stage.

Another famous night for Cabo Verde, who have earned a 2-2 draw with Uruguay following their 0-0 draw with Spain. Which leaves them needing to beat Saudi Arabia to secure a spot in the last 32. Uruguay face Spain needing to avoid defeat. Not what they were looking for.

Diney Borges has been booked, but this looks like it is another famous result for Cabo Verde.

This time it is Bentancur with a superb last-ditch tackle for his country as Nuno Da Costa prepared to pull the trigger with just Muslera to beat. Phew!

Both teams chasing this winner as Canobbio fires high and wide on the counter with Pico Lopes just doing enough to put him off covering back.

So close to the winning goal for Uruguay as Valverde narrowly fails to connect with the cross ball. Inches away from connecting in front of the gaping net. Wow!

Valverde got plenty of power on that shot at goal, but beats the wall and the bar. Went for pace and couldn't keep it down.

Uruguay have a firm grasp on this match with legs and limbs beginning to suffer in this tropical heat. De la Cruz is felled on the edge of the Cabo Verde box.

Brian Rodríguez thought he was in for the winner with Vozinha getting a hand to a cross, but the defending is so brave and heroic to ensure there is no free hit. Ball deflects over the bar.

Brian Rodríguez replaces Maxi Araújo. Is he the man to dig his country out of a pretty big hole in Miami?

Yannick Semedo replaces Jamiro Monteiro as the minnows bid for a draw that gives them a big chance of reaching the last 32.

But the finish is high and not so handsome as Vozinha watches the ball disappear into the crowd. Coming down to the crunch here in Miami.

Muslera and Vozinha are both 40, but have not been called into action. Four shots at goal, and four goals so far in this epic battle in Miami.

One error in shipping the second goal is so costly as Cabo Verde continue to impress with their sheer enthusiasm for the task at hand.

Remember, they have European champions Spain in their final Group H match with Cabo Verde coming up against Saudi Arabia.

Kevin Pina is carrying an injury for Cabo Verde and has been replaced by Laros Duarte.

Manuel Ugarte replaced by Nicolás de la Cruz with Darwin Núñez on for Federico Viñas.

But it has been ruled out for offside. Maxi Araujo finished from close range after ball came back off a post in a frantic scramble, but the flag was up for offside and VAR agrees.

This really is ridiculous! Uruguay suddenly gasping for air in Miami as Jamiro Monteiro fires a shot just over. That was dipping. Not sure Muslera was getting there.

Awful defending by Uruguay as Olivera gives the ball away. Muslera comes off his line and fails to clear a loose ball. Hélio Varela races onto the ball, rounds the goalkeeper and slides the finish into the net. Wow! 2-2 now.