Argentina survived a major scare to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring before Cape Verde twice fought back to level the match, but an extra-time own goal from Diney Borges ultimately sent the defending champions through.
Argentina controlled spells of possession since the opening whistle. Holding 62% of possession compared to Cape Verde 38%. They did well limiting Cape Verde’s transition opportunities and protected their lead in attack. Cape Verde relied on a low defensive block, forcing Argentina to break them down patiently, they also relied on counter attacks in attempts to get a goal.
Messi opened scoring for Argentina in the 29th minute, through a cross from Lizandro Martinez into the box which was followed up by Messi, and gently touched into the net with his left foot.
Cape Verde scored a hard-fought equalizer in the 59th minute by Deroy Duarte. Ryan Mendes provided the decisive assist, setting up Duarte inside the area. Duarte fired a shot past Argentine goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez and after a brief review, the goal was officially confirmed by VAR.
Both teams continued to lock heads in search for a winning goal, but neither of them were able to get the better of the other, pushing the match into extra time.
Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead just minutes into extra time through a long strike to the back of the net, scoring his second senior international goal for his country.
Cape verde proved their resilience with an equalizer in the 103rd minute through Sidny Lopes Cabral. Monteiro provided the assist, allowing the left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral to find the back of the net. The goal was confirmed by VAR, shocking the defending champions and leveling the scoreline at 2-2.
Argentina restored their lead in the 111th minute, through a corner resulting in an own goal from Cape Verde’s Diney Borges, sealing their win and successfully knocking out Cape Verde.
Argentina advances to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 to play Egypt on the 7th of July, who also qualified after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties earlier in the day.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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