Argentina Escape Cape Verde Scare to Reach World Cup Last 16 After Dramatic Extra-Time Thriller
Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina survived one of the biggest scares in tournament history after edging past spirited debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in an unforgettable Round of 32 clash that was decided by a heartbreaking own goal deep into extra time.
The South American giants were pushed to the limit by a fearless Cape Verde side, who twice fought back from behind and came within minutes of forcing a penalty shootout against the world’s second-ranked team.
Argentina looked to be in control during the opening half after captain Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance. In the 29th minute, Messi expertly controlled a long pass before firing into the roof of the net to score his 20th FIFA World Cup goal and hand his side a deserved lead.
Despite the early setback, Cape Verde refused to be intimidated. The tournament debutants continued to battle and were rewarded in the second half when Deroy Duarte burst into the penalty area and finished from a tight angle, squeezing the ball through the legs of defender Lisandro Martínez before beating goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to level the score at 1-1.
With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time. Just two minutes after the restart, Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s advantage, powering home from close range after flick-on from a corner appeared to have put the holders on course for victory.
However, Cape Verde produced one of the most memorable moments of the tournament. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral cut inside from the left before curling a sensational strike into the top corner beyond Emiliano Martínez, stunning Argentina and bringing the scores level once again.
Cabral nearly completed one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history moments later when his powerful effort forced a spectacular save from the Argentine goalkeeper, denying Cape Verde a famous winner.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute. Defender Cristian Romero saw his header take a cruel deflection off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges before finding the back of the net for a heartbreaking own goal that ultimately settled the contest.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was one of the standout performers, producing eight outstanding saves, including a one-on-one stop against Messi and a brilliant fingertip save from a dangerous free-kick. His heroic display earned widespread praise despite his team’s elimination.
Although Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey came to an end, the African nation won admiration across the football world for its fearless performance against one of the tournament favourites. Their resilience, attacking intent and refusal to surrender ensured they exited the competition with their heads held high.
Argentina now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt in Atlanta on July 7 as they continue their quest to successfully defend the World Cup title.
