Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterCape Verdean midfielder Kevin Pina has etched his name into his countrys and the World Cups history books.The small island nation a population of around 500,000 people made an incredible start to their first-ever World Cup appearance, registering a draw against former champions Spain.Against Uruguay, they went one step further.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kWho is Cape Verdean midfielder Kevin Pina?The two sides met in Group H at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with La Celeste the clear favourites, despite the Blue Sharks solid start to the competition.But with 21 minutes gone, it all went wrong for an under-pressure Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa. You may like Cape Verde World Cup squad 2026: Bubista's squad for the Blue Sharks' World Cup debut Roberto 'Pico' Lopes: the Irish Cape Verde international whose bizarre call-up led to World Cup glory How did Cape Verde qualify for World Cup 2026? CAPE VERDE LEAD AT THE WORLD CUP! Kevin Pina's free kick from distance puts the debutants ahead against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay! #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/je1rAcdrvOJune 21, 2026From 25 yards out, Pina belted home a low free-kick into the bottom corner, fizzing through a Uruguay goal that left plenty to be desired.That took nothing away from the celebrations though, as Cape Verdes first-ever World Cup goalscorer Pina wheeled away, fresh from netting the 0.04 xG strike.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Its not the first time the 29-year-old who plays his club football with Russian side Krasnodar has done this either, scoring from a similar distance in open play against Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.Pina was born in Cape Verdes capital city, Praia, and started his football career with a team from the island, called Tchadense.His professional career began with Portuguese outfit Oliveirense, with loans to Anadia and Sertanense, before transferring to another side in the same country, Chaves.He stayed there until 2022, before moving to Krasnodar, who won the Russian Premier League in 2024/25, but came runner-up last term.Pina made his Cape Verde debut in 2022 in a 6-0 win over Liechtenstein, having played for his countrys youth team.Now, with just his third goal for the Blue Sharks, hes booked his place in the history books.TOPICSWorld Cup 2026Isaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.
