Cape Verde push Argentina to the brink before exiting World Cup in extra time
The tournament debutants held the reigning champions to a 3-2 thriller after extra time, having drawn with Spain and Uruguay in the group stage.
The match
Cape Verde twice came from behind to force extra time against Argentina in Miami, before an own goal by Diney Borges in the second period of extra time settled the last-32 tie. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Deroy Duarte equalised just before the hour. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's lead in the 92nd minute, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to level again in the 103rd. The decisive moment arrived when Cristian Romero's header deflected off Borges and into the net.
- Match begins at Miami Stadium.
- Lionel Messi puts Argentina ahead.
- Deroy Duarte equalises for Cape Verde.
- Score 1-1; match goes to extra time.
- Lisandro Martínez restores Argentina's lead.
- Sidny Lopes Cabral levels again for Cape Verde.
- Own goal by Diney Borges gives Argentina a 3-2 win.
- Argentina advance to the last 16.
A campaign of draws
Cape Verde, a nation of roughly 500,000 people, reached the knockout stage without winning a match. They held Spain to a 0-0 draw, then drew with Uruguay, scoring their first World Cup goals through Kevin Pina and Varela. A goalless draw with Saudi Arabia secured second place in the group. Coach Bubista assembled a squad blending 11 island-born players with six from the Netherlands, four from Portugal, three from France, and one each from Ireland and the United States.
Today we fought Argentina on equal terms. We fought for the result. We didn't manage it, but that's football.
Reactions
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had warned that Cape Verde would be dangerous, but few expected such resistance. Messi admitted his side lost control after taking the lead. Thierry Henry, speaking on FOX Sports, addressed Cape Verde in Portuguese: "Cabo Verde, parabéns, obrigado." He added, "A história é, foi e será sempre Cabo Verde." FIFA president Gianni Infantino can point to the match as vindication of the expanded 48-team format.
You can be small and compete against the big ones.
Argentina's path forward
The champions now face Egypt in the round of 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday. The narrow escape exposed vulnerabilities: an attack overly reliant on Messi and a midfield that struggled to control the game. Marcelo Gallardo, the former River Plate coach, suggested the match could serve as a warning. Argentina had cruised through a group of Algeria, Austria and Jordan, conceding no goals before this tie.
Legacy of the underdog
Cape Verde leave the tournament without a defeat inside 90 minutes, having taken Spain, Uruguay and Argentina to the limit. Goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, became a social media sensation with over 20 million Instagram followers. The Blue Sharks' run has already been compared to cult World Cup stories, and their performance has strengthened the case for a 48-team competition.
