Argentina Edge Cape Verde in Epic Contest
Argentina survived a massive scare from Cape Verde, winning 3-2 in extra time in a World Cup classic in Miami. The tiny island nation twice equalised, with Sidny Lopes Cabral scoring a stunning equaliser in the 102nd minute, before Cristian Romero's header forced an own goal from Diney Borges in the 111th minute to send Argentina through.
Messi Opens the Scoring
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a typical moment of brilliance. Lisandro Martínez played a flat diagonal pass into Messi's run, and the Argentine legend controlled the ball with a sublime back-spun half volley before finishing high into the net. It was his first goal of the tournament, but he had a relatively quiet game overall, labouring in the humid conditions for 120 minutes.
Cape Verde Equalise Through Duarte
Cape Verde grew into the game after half-time, pressing higher and creating chances. In the 59th minute, Ryan Mendes set up Deroy Duarte, who smashed a right-footed shot across Emiliano Martínez and into the far corner. The equaliser sent Cape Verdean fans into tears of joy, as their team continued to defy expectations.
Extra Time Drama
Argentina regained the lead two minutes into extra time when Lisandro Martínez picked up a loose ball from a corner and fired into the roof of the net. But Cape Verde refused to give in. In the 102nd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a moment of stunning brilliance, cutting inside from the left and curling a beautiful right-footed shot into the far corner past Martínez. The stadium fell silent as Cabral ran to celebrate with his girlfriend.
Romero Heads Winner
With 111 minutes gone, Cristian Romero rose highest to meet a Messi corner, nodding the ball down and off defender Diney Borges, with the ball crossing the line past Vozinha. Cape Verde pushed for another equaliser, forcing Martínez into a fine save in the 116th minute and another at his near post, but Argentina held on.
Vozinha Shines Despite Defeat
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, who plays for Chaves in the Portuguese second division, was a standout performer. He made several saves, including a clever free-kick from Messi, and has become a breakout character of the World Cup. Midway through the tournament, he signed a deal to promote a video game platform backed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
What It Means
Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta, but they looked distinctly mortal, with Messi having his least influential game of the tournament. For Cape Verde, this was a heroic defeat that capped a fine tournament. The team, almost entirely diaspora-based, represents a nation of 600,000 people spread across an archipelago. Football has been a way of piecing these parts back together, and they came within minutes of one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history.
