MIAMI — Argentina needed an extra-time own goal to overcome a resilient Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday and book its place in the World Cup round of 16 after the tournament debutants twice fought back against the defending champions in a dramatic knockout clash.
With the match seemingly destined for penalties, Lionel Messi delivered a corner into the penalty area in the 111th minute, where Cristian Romero’s header deflected off the arm of Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and into the net, finally separating the sides after an enthralling contest before a crowd of 64,478 at Miami Stadium.
Argentina advanced to face Egypt in the round of 16 in Atlanta, but only after being pushed to the limit by a Cape Verde side making its first appearance at the World Cup.
“The match was incredibly tough. You always have to take the positive, and it’s that this team never gives up,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after overseeing his 100th match in charge of the national team. “I want to congratulate our opponents. Today they showed they are a great team. When it is said there are no easy matches in the World Cup, it’s true.”
Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the tournament and the 20th World Cup goal of his career across six editions of the competition. Lisandro Martinez floated a precise pass over the defense, allowing the 39-year-old to control with the outside of his left foot before firing into the roof of the net.
Cape Verde refused to be intimidated and found its equalizer just before the hour mark. Captain Ryan Mendes broke free down the right flank and squared the ball for Deroy Duarte, who calmly controlled before drilling a right-footed finish beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Messi nearly restored Argentina’s advantage moments later but was denied by goalkeeper Vozinha, who also produced an excellent save to tip away one of the Argentine captain’s trademark free kicks later in the second half.
Cape Verde’s disciplined defending forced extra time, where Argentina again appeared to have found the breakthrough. Lisandro Martinez struck a superb effort into the roof of the net in the second minute of the additional period to make it 2-1.
Yet Cape Verde responded once more. Left back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a magnificent shot into the top corner to level the score at 2-2, stunning the Argentine supporters and extending the fairytale run of the African nation.
The decisive moment finally arrived six minutes into the second period of extra time when Borges inadvertently diverted Romero’s header into his own net following Messi’s corner.
Cape Verde still had one final opportunity to extend the contest, but Lopes Cabral’s dangerous free kick was brilliantly saved by Martinez as Argentina survived late pressure to secure victory.
Although eliminated, Cape Verde left the tournament with its reputation significantly enhanced after producing one of the most memorable performances of the World Cup.
“I’m proud of my team and the work they’ve put in,” Cape Verde coach Bubista said. “We must take pride in what we’ve done for our country. To be able to play the way we did against the world champions and to draw level twice is something incredible.”
Ranked 67th in the world entering the tournament, Cape Verde was the only one of the four World Cup debutants to reach the knockout stage. The island nation had already earned admiration with group-stage draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before nearly producing the biggest upset of the competition.
Cape Verde’s organized defense, intelligent passing and relentless determination frustrated Argentina for long stretches, with defender Kevin Pina delivering an outstanding performance throughout the match.
“More than anything, we must be proud of what we’ve achieved,” Bubista said. “This World Cup has done justice to our efforts. It has shown our character. It’s a shame to lose, but it was incredible.”
While Argentina continues its title defense, Cape Verde departs the tournament having firmly established itself on the global football stage after an unforgettable debut on the sport’s biggest stage.
