Cabo Verde threaten to punish Argentina with two equalisers; extra time ongoing

Cabo Verde equalised a second time in their FIFA World Cup round of 32 match against Argentina. Sidny Lopes Cabral scored from a stunning curler in extra time to make it 2-2 after Lisandro Martinez put Argentina's noses in front with a 92nd-minute strike.

The underdogs defended resolutely in regulation time, with their maverick goalkeeper Vozinha keeping out three Messi freekicks. But it isn’t just their battle-readiness that has kept Cabo Verde in the game against the world champions. The tiny African nation repeatedly found a second wind when trailing.

First, it was Deroy Duarte who arrowed in from a narrow angle in the 59th minute to stun the Argentine fans after Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Cabo Verde skipper Ryan Mendes slipped a delicate pass from the right for Duarte, who left Emi Martinez in shock by firing across with a nutmeg on Lisandro Martinez.

Duarte had forced a save from Emi Martinez early in the second half, signalling their intent. But the real shocker came in the dying moments of the first half of extra time when Cabral went for an audacious curler from a long way out on the left of Martinez’s goal and the effort sailed into the far corner.

Messi had unlocked a disciplined Cabo Verde defence with a delightful touch and finish in the first half, but he was denied from point-blank range by Vozinha shortly after the African side drew parity. Pico Lopes marshalled the Cabo Verde defence with conviction, twice covering his goalkeeper.

Messi's opener had come shortly after the first hydration break, which may have disrupted Cabo Verde’s concentration. The iconic striker slipped behind the Cabo Verde defence to collect a Lisandro Martinez long ball. After receiving the pass gracefully, the Argentine talisman controlled the bounce and poked it past Vozinha.

Before the deadlock was broken, the underdogs had been aggressive, never shy to tackle, even Messi. Jovane Cabral went heavy on the legend but sportingly offered a handshake immediately after. The consequence of that foul outside the box was a free kick for Vozinha, who was well-positioned to collect the shot on target.,

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who was immaculate in a goalless draw with Spain in the group stages, has displayed a lot of confidence in this match by toying with closing down attackers. He tricked Lautaro Martinez with a risky stepover and has been calm in possession.

Cabo Verde, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the knockout stages, had an unbeaten run in the group phase, with three draws.

Messi is the first player to make 30 appearances in the tournament, while his coach Lionel Scaloni is marking his 100th game in charge of the reigning world champions. The opener took Messi's tournament goal hunt to seven and extended his overall tally to 20.

The winner of the match will play Egypt in the round of 16. The Africans defeated Australia 4-2 in a shootout earlier in the day.