MIAMI: Defending champions Argentina survived a stunning challenge from Cape Verde, edging the African minnows 3-2 after extra time to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Argentina dominated possession from the outset and applied relentless pressure, but Cape Verde’s disciplined defence and goalkeeper Vozinha frustrated the South American giants during the opening stages.
The breakthrough finally came in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi controlled a long diagonal pass with superb skill before delicately lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
The goal marked Messi’s 20th FIFA World Cup strike, his seventh of the 2026 tournament and his eighth consecutive World Cup match with a goal.
Despite Argentina’s control, Cape Verde prevented further damage before halftime, with Vozinha making several crucial saves to keep his side within reach.
The Blue Sharks stunned the football world in the 59th minute by drawing level. Ryan Mendes slipped a precise pass to Deroy Duarte, who calmly fired a low shot through a crowded penalty area and beyond Emiliano Martínez to make it 1-1.
Argentina responded by increasing the pressure, but Vozinha produced another series of outstanding saves, denying Messi on multiple occasions, including a one-on-one opportunity and a dangerous free-kick.
Cape Verde survived a late penalty appeal after the referee ruled that the ball had struck defender Pico Lopes’ head before brushing his arm. Vozinha then made another superb stop from a Messi free-kick, forcing the match into extra time.
Argentina regained the lead early in the additional period when Lisandro Martínez collected a flicked-on corner at the far post and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.
However, Cape Verde refused to surrender. In the 103rd minute, Sidney Lopes Cabral produced one of the tournament’s finest goals, curling a magnificent strike into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area to restore parity at 2-2.
The defending champions eventually found the decisive breakthrough in the second half of extra time. Cristian Romero rose highest to meet a Messi corner, and the ball deflected off a Cape Verde defender before looping over Vozinha into the net. The goal was later recorded as an own goal, restoring Argentina’s advantage at 3-2.
Cape Verde mounted one final assault, with Cabral forcing another brilliant save from Martínez with a curling free-kick as the African side pushed desperately for another equaliser.
Despite several late chances, Argentina held on to seal a hard-fought victory and progress to the Round of 16 after one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
(Inputs from CNN)
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