Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare before defeating World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic last-32 clash on Friday. An extra-time own goal finally separated the two teams and sent Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday.
Cape Verde, playing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup, pushed the three-time champions to the limit. The African side came from behind twice and impressed with their determination, teamwork and fearless display in front of a crowd of 64,478 at a hot and humid Miami Stadium.
Messi Gives Argentina the Early Lead
Argentina controlled possession early, but Cape Verde defended with discipline and limited clear chances.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Lisandro Martinez played a long pass over the defence to Lionel Messi. The Argentine captain controlled the ball with the outside of his left foot before firing it into the roof of the net. The goal was Messi's seventh of the tournament and his 20th goal across six FIFA World Cup editions.
Despite falling behind, Cape Verde refused to lose confidence and continued to challenge Argentina with quick passing and organised defending.
Cape Verde Fight Back After Half-Time
Cape Verde started the second half with more attacking intent. Soon after the restart, Deroy Duarte tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made a diving save.
The equaliser arrived just before the hour mark. Captain Ryan Mendes raced down the right wing and delivered a precise pass into the penalty area. Duarte controlled the ball with his left foot before beating Martinez with a powerful right-footed finish to make it 1-1.
Argentina tried to respond immediately. Four minutes later, Messi found himself through on goal, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced an excellent save.
Vozinha continued his outstanding performance by tipping away one of Messi's trademark free kicks in the 72nd minute. Later, defender Pico Lopes blocked Enzo Fernandez from scoring as Cape Verde held firm.
Martinez Restores Argentina's Advantage
Neither side found a winner in normal time, sending the match into extra time. Argentina regained the lead just two minutes into the first period of extra time. Lisandro Martinez struck a superb shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.
However, Cape Verde responded once again. In the 103rd minute, left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a brilliant shot into the top corner to level the score at 2-2 and keep his country's dream alive.
Own Goal Sends Argentina Through
The thrilling contest finally produced a winner in the second half of extra time. In the 111th minute, Messi delivered a corner into the penalty area. Cristian Romero rose highest to head the ball, which deflected off the arm of Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and ended up in the net as an own goal.
The goal gave Argentina a 3-2 lead and proved to be the match winner. Cape Verde nearly found another equaliser in the closing minutes. Sidny Lopes Cabral struck a dangerous free kick, but Emiliano Martinez produced an outstanding save to preserve Argentina's lead.
Cape Verde Leave Tournament With Pride
Although Cape Verde's historic World Cup journey ended in defeat, the newcomers earned widespread praise for their remarkable performances. Ranked 67th in the world before the tournament, Cape Verde became the only one of the four World Cup debutants to reach the knockout stage. During the group phase, they frustrated stronger opponents by drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Against Argentina, they once again showed courage, discipline and quality. Kevin Pina controlled the midfield for long periods, while the entire team displayed relentless determination against one of football's biggest nations.
Argentina advanced to the Round of 16, but Cape Verde left the tournament with their reputation greatly enhanced after announcing themselves on the world stage with a series of memorable performances.