- Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to reach the World Cup Round of 16
- Cape Verde twice came from behind but were denied by a late Argentine winner
- Lionel Messi scored as Argentina booked a last 16 clash with Egypt
Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare on Saturday, defeating tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the thrilling Round of 32 contest at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami stretched to 120 minutes, with Cape Verde pushing Lionel Scaloni’s side to the limit before eventually bowing out.
EDITOR’S PICK
- UN Mobilizes Humanitarian Aid For Venezuela Following Twin Earthquakes
- Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, June 26, 2026
- Concerns As Repentant Boko Haram Members Allegedly Join Army Recruitment
Argentina opened the scoring in the 29th minute when captain Lionel Messi controlled a long pass before firing into the roof of the net for his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal.
Cape Verde responded in the 59th minute through Deroy Duarte, whose composed finish restored parity and stunned the largely Argentina supporting crowd.
With the match appearing destined for extra time, Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute to make it 2-1. However, the resilient Blue Sharks refused to give up, as Duarte struck again in the 103rd minute to level the score at 2-2.
Argentina eventually found the decisive goal in the 111th minute, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory and ending Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey.
The South Americans enjoyed 64 percent possession and registered 20 shots compared to Cape Verde’s 15, but goalkeeper Vozinha produced an outstanding display with seven saves to keep his side in contention throughout the encounter.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also made three important saves as Cape Verde continued to threaten in attack.
Although eliminated, Cape Verde left the tournament with widespread admiration after an impressive debut World Cup campaign.
The African nation held Spain to a goalless draw in the group stage, earned a 2-2 draw against Uruguay and pushed the defending champions to extra time in one of the competition’s most memorable matches.
Argentina, meanwhile, advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt on Tuesday, July 7, in Atlanta as they continue their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup title.
FURTHER READING
