Defending champions Argentina survived a huge scare to edge World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the last 32, sealing progress only after a 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges. The side ranked 64th in the FIFA standings matched the world’s second-ranked nation for long periods and twice erased deficits before finally bowing out.
The atmosphere in Miami was dominated early by thousands of Argentina supporters, who expected a comfortable evening. Their team appeared to be on course for exactly that when Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute after bringing down Lisandro Martinez’s long pass with brilliant control before lifting his finish high beyond Vozinha for his 20th World Cup goal.
Cape Verde, however, refused to fade away. Their persistence was rewarded in the second half when Deroy Duarte burst into the penalty area and fired from a tight angle through the legs of Martinez and past Emiliano Martinez, prompting emotional celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Drama continues in extra time
The 1-1 scoreline remained unchanged at the end of normal time, sending the contest into extra time. Argentina regained the advantage almost immediately when Alexis Mac Allister flicked on a corner and Lisandro Martinez met the ball with a powerful finish that beat Vozinha.
The lead lasted only 11 minutes before Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the tournament’s standout moments. Cutting inside from the left edge of the area, he curled an outstanding strike over Emiliano Martinez and into the top corner to restore parity at 2-2.
Cabral nearly completed an unforgettable night when he forced a superb save from the Argentina goalkeeper four minutes before the end of extra time. Cape Verde could not find another equaliser, though, and the match slipped away moments later.
An own goal settles unforgettable contest
Argentina eventually secured victory in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Diney Borges and into the net. The own goal spared the holders from what would have been one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history and finally ended Cape Verde’s remarkable resistance.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread admiration for pushing one of the tournament favourites to the limit. They had twice fought back against the reigning champions and left a lasting impression with an inspired display on their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage.
Goalkeeper Vozinha once again played a key role for Cape Verde after his earlier performance against Spain. The 40-year-old produced eight saves, including a one-on-one stop against Messi and a fingertip save from the Argentina captain’s free-kick, helping keep his side in contention until the closing stages.
Relief for Argentina after final whistle
When the decisive own goal crossed the line, relief outweighed celebration among Argentina’s supporters inside the stadium. The holders had been pushed to their limits before eventually securing their place in the next round.
At full-time, Messi and Martinez were among the Argentina players comforting the devastated Cape Verde squad. Although their World Cup journey came to an end, the tournament newcomers departed having earned respect for their determined performances and fearless approach.
Argentina’s reward is a last-16 meeting with Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, 7 July, while Cape Verde leaves the competition after producing one of the most memorable knockout displays of the tournament.
