Miami: Defending champions Argentina narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, defeating tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter. Despite taking the lead twice, Argentina were pushed to the limit by a fearless Cape Verde side before securing victory through a late own goal.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the tournament, extending his remarkable World Cup run. However, Deroy Duarte equalised just before the hour mark to send the match into extra time after Cape Verde’s disciplined display frustrated the reigning champions.
Early in extra time, Lisandro MartÃnez restored Argentina’s lead, but Cape Verde refused to surrender. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament with a stunning curling strike to make it 2-2 and raise hopes of a historic upset.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Messi’s pinpoint corner found Cristian Romero, whose header deflected off defender Diney Borges into the net. The goal was officially recorded as an own goal, sending Argentina into the Round of 16 while ending Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup debut.
Goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez also played a crucial role, producing two outstanding late saves to deny Cape Verde an equaliser in the closing moments. The African underdogs, ranked 67th in the world before the tournament, earned widespread praise for their spirited performance and fearless attacking football against the world champions.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 as they continue their title defence, while Cape Verde leave the tournament with immense credit after one of the most memorable performances by a World Cup debutant.
