Liverpool Premier League-winner Darwin Nunez was dropped amid criticism following Uruguay’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, he came on against Cape Verde as they avoided a World Cup shock
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez couldn’t inspire Uruguay as they struggled in a 2-2 draw with World Cup minnows Cape Verde. The 26-year-old was dropped by Marcelo Bielsa ahead of the clash with the South Americans looking to respond after their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in the opener.
Nunez was introduced with 20 minutes remaining as he was handed the responsibility of leading the Uruguayan attack and dragging them over the line. The Al-Hilal striker was a threat and showed promising signs, including a cross that captain Fede Valverde couldn’t convert from close range, in an embarrassing night for Uruguay.
They now need to pick up at least a point against Spain in their final Group H match to be in with a chance of progressing to the knockout stages. As it stands, they sit second on two points, level with Cape Verde who face Saudi Arabia.
But the pressure will build on the former Leeds United head coach after struggling against the nation ranked 67th in the FIFA world rankings amid reports that the squad is already fractured.
Uruguayan icon and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez watched on from the stands and was animated throughout the contest. Cameras panned to the veteran striker after the full-time whistle as he looked crestfallen with his nation’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance with the need for a result against Spain to bolster their chances of progression.
Last week, reports suggested that Nunez was set to re-sign for Liverpool after the World Cup as part of the rebuild under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Speculation emerged from South America that the 26-year-old, who won the Premier League before the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, has signed a deal to return to Merseyside but first had his sights set on the World Cup across North America.
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The noise surrounding such a sensational return has simmered with numerous outlets dismissing the suggestion. On the pitch, Nunez’s struggles continued after a nightmare in the Middle East with Al Hilal, where he was de-registered in order for Karim Benzema to be included in his place.
The striker’s goal drought for his country will stretch ever-closer to two years when they take on Spain on June 27 (1am) after Nunez last found the back of the net for Uruguay on June 28, 2024 when he scored once in their 5-0 rout over Bolivia at the Copa America.
But against Cape Verde, he couldn’t do much more after the Uruguayans shot themselves in the foot on multiple occasions. They found themselves behind in the first-half after Kevin Pina’s long-range free-kick stunned Fernando Muslera.
A quickfire two-goal salvo from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio on the stroke of half-time turned the game in their favour.
However, a huge mistake at the back from Mathias Olivera was punished as Cape Verde equalised. The Napoli defender miscued a clearance from their own throw-in, and as Muslera charged out of his goal to rectify the error, Helio Varela nipped in and fired into an empty net.
Speaking as part of BBC Sport’s coverage, former Premier League striker Benni McCarthy dismissed Uruguay’s chances 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.”


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