Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the limit by a fearless Cape Verde side before securing a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While many expected Lionel Messi’s side to cruise past the tournament debutants, Cape Verde once again proved they are no pushovers, delivering another spirited performance that won the admiration of football fans around the world.
Argentina broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when captain Lionel Messi calmly found the back of the net to hand the South Americans a deserved first-half lead.
Cape Verde, however, refused to surrender. Their resilience paid off in the 59th minute as Duarte fired home the equaliser to stun the Argentine supporters and force the match into a tense finale.
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the contest headed into extra time.
Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute through Lautaro Martínez, but Cape Verde once again demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit when Sidney Lopes Cabral restored parity in the 103rd minute, setting up a thrilling finish.
Just when penalties appeared inevitable, fortune smiled on Argentina as Cape Verde defender Diney Borges inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 111th minute, handing the reigning world champions a dramatic 3-2 lead.
Despite relentless late pressure from the African side, Argentina held on to seal a hard-fought victory and progress to the last eight.
Although their World Cup journey came to an end, Cape Verde left the tournament with their heads held high. The tournament’s surprise package earned widespread praise for their fearless displays, having matched one of football’s greatest nations stride for stride and pushing the defending champions to the brink of elimination.
For Argentina, the victory keeps alive their hopes of successfully defending the World Cup crown, while Cape Verde depart the competition with their reputation significantly enhanced after a memorable and inspiring campaign.
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