Argentina avoided one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, edging past debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling last-32 clash in Miami., Softfootball reports.
The reigning champions looked set for a routine evening when Lionel Messi fired them ahead with a superb finish. However, Cape Verde continued their remarkable tournament by drawing level through Deroy Duarte just before the hour mark.
Argentina regained the lead early in extra time as Lisandro Martínez rifled home, but Cape Verde refused to surrender. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning curling effort in the 103rd minute to level once again and leave the champions on the brink of a sensational exit.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough. Cristian Romero’s header from a corner deflected off Diney Borges and into the net for a heartbreaking own goal that sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Lionel Scaloni’s side now progress to face Egypt who reached the World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time, but Cape Verde leave the tournament with immense pride.
In their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks held Spain, eliminated Uruguay, reached the knockout stage and pushed the world champions to extra time in one of the competition’s most memorable matches.
Player Ratings
Argentina
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Emiliano Martínez | 5 |
| Facundo Medina | 6 |
| Lisandro Martínez | 8 |
| Cristian Romero | 7 |
| Nahuel Molina | 6 |
| Thiago Almada | 5 |
| Enzo Fernandez | 6 |
| Alexis Mac Allister | 7 |
| Rodrigo De Paul | 6 |
| Lautaro Martínez | 6 |
| Lionel Messi (Man of the Match) | 9 |
| Nico González | 6 |
| Julián Álvarez | 6 |
| Leandro Paredes | 6 |
| Nicolás Tagliafico | 6 |
| Gonzalo Montiel | 5 |
Cape Verde
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Vozinha | 8 |
| Sidny Lopes Cabral | 8 |
| Diney Borges | 7 |
| Roberto Lopes | 7 |
| Steven Moreira | 6 |
| Kevin Pina | 7 |
| Deroy Duarte | 7 |
| Laros Duarte | 6 |
| Jovane Cabral | 6 |
| Nuno da Costa | 6 |
| Ryan Mendes | 7 |
| Jamiro Monteiro | 6 |
| Dailon Livramento | 5 |
| Helio Varela | 6 |
| Willy Semedo | 5 |
| Yannick Semedo | 7 |
| Gilson Benchimol | () |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Argentina | Cape Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| xG | 2.16 | 0.45 |
| Total Shots | 22 | 16 |
| Shots on Target | 10 | 5 |
| Big Chances | 3 | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 92% | 86% |
| Fouls | 13 | 12 |
| Corners | 8 | 8 |
