Holders Argentina break Cape Verde hearts with extra-time win

Argentina beat Cape Verde in extra time, avoiding a huge upset.Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament, but Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte equalized.

• Lisandro Martinez put Argentina ahead in extra time, followed by an amazing goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral.
• Diney Borges’ own goal helped Argentina advance, setting up a last-16 match against Egypt.

A last-minute own goal by Diney Borges saved Argentina from a major upset as they narrowly defeated Cape Verde in the last 32.

The team ranked 64th in the world came back to draw with the second-ranked teamHolders Argentina break Cape Verde hearts with extra-time win.

After a 1-1 draw in regular time, Cape Verde forced extra time.
Lisandro Martinez nearly won it for Argentina with a great goal in the 92nd minute.

But Sidny Lopes Cabral, on his career night, scored a brilliant goal 11 minutes later, hitting a curling shot over Emiliano Martinez and into the top corner, making it 2-2.

In the final moments of extra time, Cabral forced a spectacular save from Martinez, but Cape Verde couldn’t equalize again and had to settle for a draw.

The atmosphere in Miami was full of excitement as thousands of Argentines cheered on their team.Holders Argentina break Cape Verde hearts with extra-time win

They seemed on their way to victory when Lionel Messi added another magical moment in the 29th minute, scoring his 20th World Cup goal with a clever finish.

But Cape Verde, the smallest country ever to play in a World Cup knockout match, didn’t go quietly.Holders Argentina break Cape Verde hearts with extra-time win

Deroy Duarte scored in the second half, running into the box and finishing past Martinez and the goalkeeper from a tight angle, causing joy among Cape Verde fans.

In the early minutes of extra time, Martinez scored from a corner, beating Vozinha.Holders Argentina break Cape Verde hearts with extra-time win

Then came Cabral’s stunning equalizer for Cape Verde.
Though they didn’t win, they made a big impact on the World Cup.

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