In the premiere in Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Cape Verde won clearly, 32–25, and thus got revenge for a snowy loss during the WC 2021.
The African island nation only managed to play one match (loss against Hungary) before covid-19 infection forced the team to leave WO in the two remaining group stage matches, including against Uruguay.
When the teams did meet for real on Thursday, however, Cape Verde were superior and thus took a historic first World Cup victory.
The teams were followed for a while at the beginning, but then Cape Verde grabbed a lead that had grown to 17-11 at the break and was never in danger despite a small Uruguayan rally at the end.
On Saturday it is Sweden’s turn to face Cape Verde, while Uruguay plays against neighboring Brazil.