Darwin Nunez dropped from Uruguay lineup before late sub in World Cup stunner vs Cape Verde
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Darwin Nunez was introduced as a substitute for Uruguay in their 2-2 draw with Cape Verde at the World Cup, with the former Liverpool striker unable to inspire a comeback as transfer return speculation dies downDarwin Nunez dropped to the bench and came on for Uruguay but they couldn't beat Cape Verde.(Image: Getty)Former Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez was powerless to rescue Uruguay as they stumbled to a 2-2 stalemate with World Cup minnows Cape Verde. As matters stand, they sit second on two points, tied with Cape Verde who face Saudi Arabia.However, pressure will mount on the former Leeds United head coach following their struggles against the nation positioned 67th in the FIFA world rankings, with reports suggesting the squad is already fractured.
Uruguayan legend and ex-Liverpool striker Luis Suárez watched from the stands and appeared visibly agitated throughout proceedings.Cameras captured the veteran forward after the final whistle looking distraught, with his country's World Cup dreams hanging by a thread and needing a favourable result against Spain to boost their qualification prospects. Reports emerged last week suggesting that Núñez was set to rejoin Liverpool after the World Cup, as part of the overhaul under new head coach Andoni Iraola.There was more history for Cape Verde as they twice stunned Uruguay to earn a deserved point.(Image: Getty)Speculation from South America claimed the 26 year old, who secured the Premier League crown before his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia, had reached an agreement to return to Merseyside - although his immediate attention remained squarely on the World Cup taking place throughout North America.The excitement around such an extraordinary return has subsequently subsided, with several media outlets dismissing the speculation.
On the pitch, Núñez's struggles have continued following a difficult period in the Middle East with Al Hilal, where he was removed from the squad to accommodate Karim Benzema.The forward's goalless streak for his country extended towards two years, with Núñez last scoring for his nation on 28 June 2024 - finding the target once during their commanding 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia at the Copa America. Against Cape Verde, though, he struggled to make an impact as Uruguay consistently undermined their own efforts.They conceded in the opening period when Kevin Pina's distant free-kick caught Fernando Muslera off guard.