Cape Verde pushed reigning Champions Argentina to the brink but eventually lost their round of 32 2026 FIFA World Cup match 3-2 after conceding an extra time own goal on Friday in Miami.
The Africans came back into the game twice to push the game to extra time, proving once again that there are no pushovers in the World Cup.
Argentina took the lead through Lionel Messi’s strike in the 29th minute, but Deroy Duarte cancelled it in 59th minute.
Argentina thought they had won it in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez shot powerfully into the net to make it 2-1. But the courageous Cape Verdeans equalized again when Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a beautiful shot into the top corner, forcing the game to extra time.
Argentina found the winner in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header from Messi’s corner was turned into the net by Diney Borges, an own goal.
Cape Verde coach Bubister said he is proud of the his players for giving their all.
I’m proud of my team, the work they’ve put in,” Bubista said
“We must take pride in what we’ve done for our country. To be able to play the way we did against the world champions, and to draw level twice, is something incredible,” he added.
Argentina Manager Lionel Scaloni said the match was a tough one and believe there are no easy matches in the World Cup.
“It was a tough game. I want to congratulate our opponents. Today they showed they are a great team. When it is said there are no easy matches in the World Cup, it’s true.”
NAN reports that Argentina will face seven times African Champions Egypt in the round of 16, at the Atlanta Stadium, U.S., on Tuesday 7th July. (Reuters/NAN)
