{"id":1466089,"date":"2026-07-04T02:19:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T01:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1466089"},"modified":"2026-07-04T15:37:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T14:37:32","slug":"post-match-analysis-argentina-vs-cape-verde-03-07-26","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-argentina-vs-cape-verde-03-07-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Argentina vs Cape Verde stats and analysis: Reigning champions survive almighty scare"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Argentina scraped through to the World Cup round of 16, after surviving an epic tie against a spirited Cape Verde in Miami.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The world champions were given an almighty scare by the tournament debutants, who eventually bowed out with their heads held high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;s unbelievable strike to level things up once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, Lionel Scaloni&#8217;s side eventually dragged themselves over the line, with Cristian Romero&#8217;s deflected header proving the difference between the sides.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381273\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381470\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#01644a\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29162841\/bet365.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Bet365 Logo\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">bet365<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Use code SQUAWKA365 and bet \u00a310 to get \u00a330 in free bets<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Use code SQUAWKA365 and bet \u00a310 to get \u00a330 in free bets<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/bet365-review\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Bet \u00a310 get \u00a330<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Excellent Football Betting Options<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Extensive Bet-Builder<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet \u00a310 and get \u00a330 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&amp;Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Argentina vs Cape Verde analysis:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-not-quite-the-fairytale-ending-for-courageous-cape-verde\" data-level=\"3\">Not quite the fairytale ending for courageous Cape Verde<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-centurion-scaloni-survives-huge-extra-time-scare\" data-level=\"3\">Centurion Scaloni survives huge extra-time scare<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-another-milestone-for-majestic-messi\" data-level=\"3\">Another milestone for majestic Messi<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-not-quite-the-fairytale-ending-for-courageous-cape-verde\">Not quite the fairytale ending for courageous Cape Verde<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was always going to be a tough ask. Yes, they&#8217;d drawn with Spain on their World Cup bow. Yet reigning champions Argentina in the knockout stages was a whole different ball game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevertheless Cape Verde leave the tournament with their heads held high, having frightened the life out of Lionel Messi and co.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bubista&#8217;s side did look a little like rabbits in headlights during the first half &#8211; in which they failed to register a shot on target &#8211; but did well to keep the scoreline down to 1-0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cape Verde were much-improved after the restart and deservedly equalised through Deroy Duarte, before maintaining their concentration to force extra-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 &#8220;worldie&#8221; as he magnificently curled into the top corner from the edge of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sadly for neutrals, though, fairytales aren&#8217;t real. Cristian Romero&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Cape Verde. <br><br>The story of the 2026 World Cup. <br><br>Thanks for all the memories. \ud83d\udc99\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddfb <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Ml27MhCLiw\">pic.twitter.com\/Ml27MhCLiw<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Squawka (@Squawka) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Squawka\/status\/2073207506071916861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-centurion-scaloni-survives-huge-extra-time-scare\">Centurion Scaloni survives huge extra-time scare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lionel Scaloni&#8217;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&#8217;s second coach after Guillermo Stabile to oversee 100 matches in charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Messi scored the opener, all seemed normal. But Cape Verde clearly hadn&#8217;t read the script, as they pegged them back twice, and the lottery of a penalty shootout was becoming a serious possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It wasn&#8217;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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Romero eventually spared the blushes of the world champions, though things won&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You certainly don&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Argentina have won their last eight games against African opponents at the World Cup:<br><br>\ud83e\udd47 Argentina 2-1 Nigeria (1994)<br>\ud83e\udd47 Argentina 1-0 Nigeria (2002)<br>\ud83e\udd47 Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast (2006)<br>\ud83e\udd47 Argentina 1-0 Nigeria (2010)<br>\ud83e\udd47 Argentina 3-2 Nigeria (2014)<br>\ud83e\udd47 Argentina 2-1 Nigeria\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zE8CUaoZYq\">pic.twitter.com\/zE8CUaoZYq<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Squawka (@Squawka) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Squawka\/status\/2073206977333968956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-another-milestone-for-majestic-messi\">Another milestone for majestic Messi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first player to make 30 appearances at the World Cup, it was just before the 30th minute that he brilliantly brought Martinez&#8217;s lofted ball under control, and lifted it into the roof of the net.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381273\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381470\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#01644a\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29162841\/bet365.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Bet365 Logo\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">bet365<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Use code SQUAWKA365 and bet \u00a310 to get \u00a330 in free bets<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Use code SQUAWKA365 and bet \u00a310 to get \u00a330 in free bets<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/bet365-review\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Bet \u00a310 get \u00a330<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Excellent Football Betting Options<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Extensive Bet-Builder<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet \u00a310 and get \u00a330 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&amp;Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;s Gyorgy Sarosi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lionel Messi&#39;s game by numbers vs Cape Verde:<br><br>9 shots (most)<br>8 touches in opp. box (2nd most)<br>8 duels won (most)<br>6 shots on target (most)<br>5 fouls won (most)<br>3 chances created (joint-most)<br>1 goal<br><br>We may have lost Cape Verde, but at least we get another round of Messi magic. \ud83d\ude0c <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/I8sAMPyEBS\">pic.twitter.com\/I8sAMPyEBS<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Squawka (@Squawka) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Squawka\/status\/2073215485403877606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/world-cup-2026-betting-tips-predictions\/\"><strong>World Cup predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/world-cup-outright-odds\/\"><strong>World Cup outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup-2026-fixtures-results\/\"><b>World Cup fixtures &amp; results<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/world-cup-2026-betting-offers\/\"><b>World Cup free bets<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-stars-summer-transfers\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20103201\/feature_image-x-2-purple-1-2-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"12 World Cup stars who could be on the move this summer\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-stars-summer-transfers\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    12 World Cup stars who could be on the move this summer                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Chris Jones                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-player-stats-leaders-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20144356\/world-cup-stats-leaders-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"World Cup stat leaders: Who led the key metrics?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-player-stats-leaders-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup 2026 player stat leaders: Who led the key metrics?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/squawka-writers-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/18155716\/writers-pick-team-of-tournament-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"We asked Squawka writers to name their World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournaments\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/squawka-writers-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    We asked Squawka writers to name their World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournaments                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-final-stats-you-might-have-missed-spain-argentina\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20111854\/SYMHM_Spain_Argentina-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-final-stats-you-might-have-missed-spain-argentina\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup Final stats you might have missed from Spain vs Argentina                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/2026-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20044220\/predictions_article-16x9-1-2-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/2026-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament: Spain dominate after lifting the trophy                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/guilhermemirra\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Guilherme Mirra                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-spain-argentina-2026-world-cup-final\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20022927\/feature_image-x-2-purple-3-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-spain-argentina-2026-world-cup-final\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Tactical analysis: How Spain gave Argentina a taste of their own medicine to win 2026 World Cup final                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/guilhermemirra\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Guilherme Mirra                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-spain-vs-argentina-19-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/19232058\/3F2NYEK-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Ferran Torres celebrates vs Argentina\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-spain-vs-argentina-19-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Argentina Stats and Analysis: How La Roja won the 2026 World Cup Final                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/benmcaleer\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Ben McAleer                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n             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href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-final-stats-you-might-see-spain-vs-argentina-19-07-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup Final 2026: Stats you might see in Spain vs Argentina tonight                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n       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                          <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Argentina: The key players to decide the 2026 World Cup Final                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Chris Jones                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-france-vs-england-18-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/19002415\/3F2GYJX-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"France vs England stats and analysis: Three Lions secure third place in remarkable Bronze Final\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-france-vs-england-18-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs England stats and analysis: Three Lions secure third place in remarkable World Cup Bronze Final                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Chris Jones                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/lionel-messi-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/17144459\/LionelMessi17072026_ID3F21FFA-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Lionel Messi analysis: Why Argentina&#039;s best can further cement himself as football&#039;s GOAT\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/lionel-messi-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Lionel Messi analysis: Why Argentina&#8217;s best can further cement himself as football&#8217;s GOAT                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-argentina-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/18095952\/spain-vs-argentina-penalty-shootout-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Spain vs Argentina penalty analysis: Who will win if World Cup Final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-argentina-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Argentina penalty analysis: Who will win if World Cup Final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 month ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":404,"featured_media":1466136,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Argentina vs Cape Verde","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Argentina vs Cape Verde stats and analysis: Reigning champions survive almighty scare","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Argentina scraped through to the World Cup round of 16, after surviving an epic tie against a spirited Cape Verde in Miami.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[27631],"class_list":["post-1466089","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","squawka-category-world-cup"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Argentina vs Cape Verde stats and analysis: Reigning champions survive almighty scare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Argentina scraped through to the World Cup round of 16, after surviving an epic tie against a spirited Cape Verde in Miami.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-argentina-vs-cape-verde-03-07-26\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Argentina vs Cape Verde stats and analysis: Reigning champions survive almighty scare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Argentina scraped through to the World Cup round of 16, after surviving an epic tie against a spirited Cape Verde in Miami.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-argentina-vs-cape-verde-03-07-26\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Squawka | EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-04T14:37:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/04021359\/3EYJJG9-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@squawka\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" 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