Argentina were pushed to the brink before surviving a spirited Cape Verde side 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic World Cup knockout clash on Friday, with Lionel Messi again decisive as the reigning champions booked a place in the last 16.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute to extend his remarkable tournament form, but Cape Verde—playing in their first World Cup—refused to be overawed and fought back with resilience and confidence in front of 64,478 fans in Miami.
Deroy Duarte levelled the match just before the hour mark after Cape Verde had absorbed sustained pressure and broken forward with purpose, punishing an Argentina side that struggled to impose its rhythm for long spells.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time with a powerful finish into the roof of the net, but Cape Verde struck again in stunning fashion when Sidny Lopes Cabral curled home a superb equaliser in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2 and keep their historic hopes alive.
The match was ultimately decided in the second half of extra time when Messi’s corner created chaos inside the area, and Cristian Romero’s header deflected in off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges to settle a tense contest that had swung repeatedly between the two sides.
Cape Verde still had chances to force penalties, including a late free kick saved by Emiliano Martínez, but they could not find another breakthrough despite continuing to trouble the defending champions.
Although beaten, Cape Verde earned widespread admiration for their organisation, energy and attacking intent throughout their first World Cup campaign, while Argentina advance to face Egypt in the last 16 in Atlanta next Tuesday.
