Holders Argentina narrowly avoided one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history by scraping past heroic debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time. A dramatic 111th-minute own goal from Diney Borges ultimately saved the world champions from a monumental upset in Miami. The team lying 64th in the FIFA rankings twice fought back to equalise against their opponents, who are ranked second in the world.
Thousands of expectant Argentine fans created a party atmosphere early in the stadium, cheering on their team. They appeared to be easing toward a comfortable victory when Lionel Messi produced another moment of magic after 29 minutes. The Argentina captain scored his 20th World Cup goal by beautifully controlling a long ball from defender Lisandro Martรญnez before finishing high into the net.
However, the smallest nation to ever play in a World Cup knockout match refused to leave the tournament quietly. Deroy Duarteโs second-half finish pulled Cape Verde level against the run of play. The midfielder made a sharp run into the penalty box and powered a finish through the legs of Manchester United defender Martรญnez, beating the goalkeeper from a tight angle to spark tears of joy among the Cape Verde fans.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the outsiders forced their illustrious opponents into extra time. Argentina struck early in the additional period, seemingly restoring order just two minutes after the restart. Martรญnez latched onto an Alexis Mac Allister flick from a corner routine and produced a powerful finish to beat veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
Yet Cape Verde responded with one of the great goals in World Cup history 11 minutes later. Sidny Lopes Cabral cut inside to the left of the box and whipped a magnificent curling strike over goalkeeper Emiliano Martรญnez into the top corner to make it 2-2. Enjoying the night of his career, Cabral later forced a stunning save from Martรญnez just four minutes from the end of extra time.
The definitive breakthrough arrived in the 111th minute of the gruelling contest. Cristian Romero’s thumping header deflected heavily off defender Borges and flew into the net, bringing immense relief to the Argentine fans in the stands.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was lauded as a hero, making eight vital saves during the match. His performance included stopping a clear one-on-one chance against Messi and making a spectacular fingertip save from an accurate Messi free-kick.
At the final whistle, Martรญnez and Messi were among the Argentine players consoling their devastated opponents on the pitch. Although they were ultimately defeated, Cape Verde earned the respect of the footballing world with their magnificent display. While the African side depart the tournament, Lionel Scaloni’s men now advance to a last-16 tie against Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, 7 July.
Read more –ย Egypt Make World Cup History with Penalty Win Over Australia
Also see –ย From โHaramballโ to Tactical Genius: Who Gets to Play Beautiful Football?
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