ARGENTINA SURVIVE CAPE VERDE SCARE TO REACH LAST 16
ARGENTINA SURVIVE CAPE VERDE SCARE TO REACH LAST 16
Reigning champions Argentina needed extra time to see off a spirited Cape Verde side and book their place in the World Cup round of 16, winning 3-2 in a Round of 32 thriller in Miami.
Lionel Messi gave the holders the lead in the first half, and Argentina looked to be cruising towards a routine win. But Cape Verde equalised right before the interval through Deroy Duarte, dragging the match into extra time.
The additional 30 minutes produced drama at both ends. Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina's lead early in extra time, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to score a stunning equaliser that levelled things at 2-2 — a strike many are already calling one of the finest goals seen in this tournament.
With the match delicately poised, it was Cristian Romero who proved decisive. He headed home from a corner, the ball glancing off a Cape Verde defender on its way in, to hand Argentina a narrow 3-2 win.
Cape Verde, competing in their first-ever World Cup, had already exceeded all expectations by reaching the knockout stages, and pushed the defending champions to the very brink before their remarkable run came to an end. Argentina now advance to face Egypt in the round of 16.

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