Argentina scraped through to the World Cup round of 16, after surviving an epic tie against a spirited Cape Verde in Miami.
The world champions were given an almighty scare by the tournament debutants, who eventually bowed out with their heads held high.
Argentina led through Lionel Messi, but were pegged back by Deroy Duarte. Lisandro Martinez restored the lead in extra-time, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral’s unbelievable strike to level things up once more.
However, Lionel Scaloni’s side eventually dragged themselves over the line, with Cristian Romero’s deflected header proving the difference between the sides.
Argentina vs Cape Verde analysis:
Not quite the fairytale ending for courageous Cape Verde
It was always going to be a tough ask. Yes, they’d drawn with Spain on their World Cup bow. Yet reigning champions Argentina in the knockout stages was a whole different ball game.
Nevertheless Cape Verde leave the tournament with their heads held high, having frightened the life out of Lionel Messi and co.
They made history without kicking a ball by naming the oldest starting XI for a World Cup knockout match, with an average age of 31 years and 197 days.
Bubista’s side did look a little like rabbits in headlights during the first half – in which they failed to register a shot on target – but did well to keep the scoreline down to 1-0.
Cape Verde were much-improved after the restart and deservedly equalised through Deroy Duarte, before maintaining their concentration to force extra-time.
Many thought their race was run when Lisandro Martinez swept Argentina back in front within a couple of minutes of the restart. Yet Sidny Lopes Cabral dragged them level again with what can only be described as a “worldie” as he magnificently curled into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Sadly for neutrals, though, fairytales aren’t real. Cristian Romero’s header gave Argentina a third and, this time, unassailable lead. Cape Verde fought right to the death and have made many new fans with their never-say-die attitude.
Centurion Scaloni survives huge extra-time scare
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina future is currently uncertain, with negotiations for a new contract reportedly ongoing. Nevertheless, his place in history has only consolidated further, having become only La Albiceleste’s second coach after Guillermo Stabile to oversee 100 matches in charge.
Scaloni, who restored the starting XI he used against Austria having made nine changes for the win over Jordan, will always remember his landmark game, albeit he’ll definitely wish it had been a lot more straightforward than it was. Argentina, fresh from a perfect group phase, were expected to cruise past the World Cup debutants in the round of 32.
When Messi scored the opener, all seemed normal. But Cape Verde clearly hadn’t read the script, as they pegged them back twice, and the lottery of a penalty shootout was becoming a serious possibility.
It wasn’t completed uncharted territory for Argentina, though. Eight of their last 14 World Cup knockout games have now gone to extra-time, while they moved level with Germany for the most such matches to exceed 90 minutes (12).
Romero eventually spared the blushes of the world champions, though things won’t necessarily get any easier. Next up for them is another African nation in Egypt, and they will have to contend with the threats of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
You certainly don’t want to peak early in these knockout stages, and Argentina will hope that scare is out of the way and they can subsequently kick on.
Another milestone for majestic Messi
After Mbappe, Kane and Haaland all delivered earlier in the round of 32, it was inevitable that Messi would eventually have his say once his turn arrived.
The first player to make 30 appearances at the World Cup, it was just before the 30th minute that he brilliantly brought Martinez’s lofted ball under control, and lifted it into the roof of the net.
Extending his record goal tally (20) and streak of successive scoring appearances at the finals (eight), Messi became the first player in history to score seven or more in two different editions (also 2022).
Not only that, he is only the fourth player to score in five straight World Cup knockout appearances. The others to achieve the feat were the Brazilian pair of Leonidas and Vava, as well as Hungary’s Gyorgy Sarosi.
It’s also now a record 12 direct goal involvements in the knockout phase at the finals (six goals, six assists), though it looks that could potentially seesaw with Kylian Mbappe as this tournament progresses.
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