Uruguay were simply a class above Cape Verde in every measurable dimension. Bielsa's 4-3-3 pressed with intensity in the middle third, forcing Cape Verde into long balls that Giménez and Araújo mopped up with ease. The key tactical battle was Valverde's freedom to roam as a box-to-box midfielder — he effectively acted as a second striker in transition, stretching Cape Verde's compact block horizontally until it broke. Cape Verde's 4-4-2 mid-block was disciplined for 15 minutes but lacked the athleticism to contain Núñez's runs in behind. Once the first goal arrived, the Blue Sharks had to open up, and Uruguay's quality in the half-spaces — De Arrascaeta and De la Cruz — was devastating. The penalty was a microcosm of Cape Verde's second-half problems: individual errors under sustained pressure. Uruguay look like a genuine dark-horse contender; Cape Verde's World Cup debut at this expanded tournament will require far more attacking output if they are to progress.

• Darwin Núñez brace (18', 76' pen) — his first World Cup goals, both finished with clinical composure
• Federico Valverde created 4 chances and covered 12.3 km — the engine of Uruguay's press and transition
• Cape Verde managed just 1 shot on target across 90 minutes; their xG of 0.38 was almost entirely from set-pieces
• Uruguay's 63% possession was their highest in a World Cup opener since 2010
• Logan Costa and Stopira both booked in a 3-minute spell — Cape Verde's discipline under pressure a concern
• De Arrascaeta's 54th-minute curler was the highest xG-overperforming goal of the match (xG: 0.14 → 1 goal)
• Uruguay's back four conceded 0 headed duels from set-pieces — Giménez and Araújo dominant in the air