Argentina kept its World Cup title defense alive Friday night, but only after Cabo Verde pushed the defending champions to the edge in one of the tournament’s most dramatic knockout matches.
Cristian Romero scored in the 111th minute to give Argentina a 3-2 extra-time win over Cabo Verde in the Round of 32, sending Lionel Scaloni’s team into the last 16 against Egypt. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, giving Argentina a 1-0 halftime lead and adding another goal to his World Cup record. But Cabo Verde, one of the tournament’s biggest surprise teams, refused to disappear.
Deroy Duarte equalized in the 59th minute, stunning the large Argentine crowd in Miami and changing the tone of the match. Argentina had more possession and created more chances, but Cabo Verde’s defensive discipline and goalkeeper Vozinha’s saves kept the African side alive deep into the night.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, scoring in the 93rd minute after a corner. Once again, Cabo Verde answered. Sidny Lopes Cabral made it 2-2 in the 103rd minute with a powerful finish, briefly putting the defending champions under real threat of a penalty shootout.
Romero finally settled it in the second period of extra time, heading in from Messi’s corner to send Argentina through. The goal brought relief more than celebration for a team that survived a far tougher test than expected.
Cabo Verde exits the World Cup with one of the strongest underdog runs of the tournament. The island nation reached the knockout round after an impressive group-stage campaign and then pushed Argentina for 120 minutes before falling short. Argentina now turns to a Round of 16 matchup against Egypt, which advanced earlier Friday after beating Australia on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
For Argentina, the night ended with survival. For Cabo Verde, it ended in defeat, but also with a performance that will stand among the most memorable of this World Cup.
