Argentina were pushed to the limit by World Cup debutants Cape Verde before escaping with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win in Miami.
The defending champions were expected to control the Round of 32 tie comfortably, but Cape Verde produced one of the bravest performances of the tournament and came close to delivering one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a moment of pure class. Lisandro Martinez picked him out with a fine long pass, and the Argentina captain controlled the ball brilliantly before lifting his finish past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
The goal looked set to settle Argentina’s nerves, but Cape Verde refused to fade. The Blue Sharks stayed organised, defended with courage and grew into the contest after the break.
Their reward came in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte finished smartly from Ryan Mendes’ cutback. The angle looked tight, but Duarte squeezed his effort beyond Lisandro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez to bring Cape Verde level and stun the Argentina supporters.
Argentina searched for a response, with Messi forcing saves and Enzo Fernandez and Leandro Paredes also testing Vozinha. The Cape Verde goalkeeper stood tall, making key stops to keep his country’s dream alive and send the match into extra time.
Argentina struck almost immediately after the restart. In the 92nd minute, Lisandro Martinez controlled the ball inside the box after a corner and hammered a left-footed shot into the top corner to restore the champions’ lead.
But Cape Verde still had another answer. Sidny Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament in the 103rd minute, cutting inside from the left before curling a superb strike into the top corner. It was a breathtaking goal that once again brought Cape Verde level and left Argentina badly shaken.
The tournament first-timers were now dreaming of penalties, but Argentina found the decisive moment in the 111th minute. Messi delivered a corner, Cristian Romero guided a header goalwards, and the ball took a touch off Diney Borges before finding the far corner.
The goal was recorded as an own goal, but it was enough to break Cape Verde hearts and send Argentina into the next round.
Cape Verde still had chances to force another equaliser. Emiliano Martinez had to make important late saves, including a brave stop at the feet of Gilson Benchimol and another from Sidny Cabral’s free-kick.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde leave the tournament with pride. On their first World Cup appearance, they reached the knockout stage, stood toe to toe with the world champions and nearly produced a result that would have shaken football history.
For Argentina, the win brings relief more than comfort. Messi delivered again, Lisandro Martinez played a major role at both ends, and the champions found a way through, but the performance showed they are far from untouchable.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will now face Egypt in the last 16. After surviving Cape Verde’s fearless challenge, Argentina know they must improve if they are to continue defending their crown.
