FIFA World Cup: Argentina beat Cape Verde in nerve-wracking encounter to advance to pre-quarterfinals

 

FIFA World Cup: Argentina beat Cape Verde in nerve-wracking encounter to advance to pre-quarterfinals

 

Defending champions Argentina were brought to the brink of defeat by Cape Verde's incredible grit and determination, but an extra-time winner secured a dramatic 3-2 victory on Friday to book their place in the World Cup's round of 16. Cape Verde, playing in their first World Cup, came from behind twice to equalise in a thrilling encounter in front of more than 64,000 fans in the hot and humid atmosphere of Miami Stadium.

However, in the sixth minute of the second half of extra time, Lionel Messi took a corner kick in the box and Cristian Romero headed the ball into the net, which went off the hand of Cape Verde's Dani Borges.

The goal sealed Argentina's line-up for the match against Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday.

Lionel Messi, as expected, scored his seventh goal of the tournament in the 29th minute to give Argentina the lead, but Deroy Duarte equalised with just under an hour to go.

In the second minute of the first half of extra time, Argentina's Leandro Martinez struck a stunning shot into the top of the net and thought they had won the match.

But Cape Verde did not give up and their left-back Sidney Lopez Cabral curled a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net to level the score at 2-2 once again.

After the decisive own goal, Lopez Cabral had another chance to equalise but his excellent free kick was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had to be at his best in the closing minutes to thwart Cape Verde's attacks.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was overseeing his 100th match with the Albiceleste (Argentine team), said: "The match was incredibly tough. You always have to look at the positive side and that is that this team never gives up. I want to congratulate our opponents. Today they showed that they are a great team. When they say that no match is easy at the World Cup, it is absolutely true.

Cape Verde lost, but they won everyone's hearts with a fourth brilliant display of teamwork and courage in their first World Cup against the three-time world champions.

"I am proud of my team and their hard work. We should be proud of what we have done for our country. Playing like this against the world champions and drawing twice is incredible," said coach Bobista.

Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world, were the only team of the four first-time participants to reach the last 32. They had come with the hope of upsetting Argentina, just as they had done by holding Spain and Uruguay to draws in the group stage.

He was successful in this for a large part of the match thanks to his never-give-up spirit, while he also demonstrated his skill with an excellent game of short passes.