Messi, Argentina Survive Major World Cup Scare Against Cape Verde to Keep Title Hopes Alive
Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare to Reach World Cup Round of 16.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Argentina narrowly avoided one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time on Friday to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero scored the decisive goal in the 111th minute, his header from a Lionel Messi corner taking a deflection off Diney Borges and finding the net.
Cape Verde’s World Cup debutants twice fought back to level the score — including a dramatic equalizer in extra time — pushing the reigning champions to the brink of an unthinkable exit.
Messi opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the tournament in the first half, but Deroy Duarte silenced the Argentina supporters at Miami Stadium with a second-half equalizer.
After the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, Manchester United defender Lisandro MartÃnez appeared to put Argentina in control by making it 2-1 early in extra time.
However, fullback Sidny Cabral produced a moment of brilliance, cutting in from the left and curling a stunning strike into the top corner to level the match again at 2-2.
Argentina regained the lead when Borges inadvertently turned Romero’s header into his own net. Even then, the drama was not over, as goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez made a spectacular late save to deny Cabral’s free kick and send Argentina through to the next round.
— Rob Dawson
Argentina Survive Stern Cape Verde Test to Keep World Cup Dream Alive
There are no easy matches in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, and Argentina learned that lesson the hard way against Cape Verde.
Ahead of the encounter, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni warned his players not to underestimate the African debutants, describing them as a disciplined defensive side that deserved their place in the knockout rounds. His assessment proved accurate.
Cape Verde matched the reigning world champions throughout the contest, twice coming from behind to level the score and pushing the match into extra time. Their defensive organization frustrated Argentina for long spells, while goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a standout performance with eight crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.
Argentina eventually found the breakthrough late in extra time, but only after enduring one of their toughest tests of the tournament. Cape Verde repeatedly forced the South American giants to respond, with Lionel Messi playing the full 120 minutes—a clear reflection of how demanding the contest became.
Although Argentina anticipated a difficult encounter, few could have predicted the intensity and drama that unfolded in Miami Gardens.
Had Cape Verde completed the upset, it would have ranked among the biggest shocks in World Cup knockout history based on the FIFA World Rankings. The current record remains Russia's penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.
Cape Verde Leave the World Cup With Pride and Respect
Despite their elimination, Cape Verde depart the tournament with their reputation significantly enhanced.
The tournament debutants earned widespread admiration for their fearless performances, coming agonizingly close to producing one of the greatest upsets the World Cup has ever witnessed.
Their memorable draw against Spain, historic first World Cup goal against Uruguay, and Sidny Cabral's spectacular strike against Argentina have created unforgettable moments for the nation.
For many football fans, Cape Verde's remarkable World Cup campaign has introduced the country to the global stage, leaving a legacy that will be remembered long after the tournament ends.
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