Messi's Argentina survive mighty scare from tiny Cabo Verde, win extra time thriller

Cabo Verde were not content with becoming the smallest nation in the knockouts of the FIFA World Cup. They dared to dethrone the mighty Argentina, and nearly succeeded. Twice they trailed, and twice they equalised; the second time from a long-range curler in the 103rd minute, befitting a magical turnaround.

Yet, somehow, Argentina, spoilt by footballing riches, secured a 3-2 win at the end of 120 minutes of pulsating football in the round of 32 in Messi's Miami.

Cabo Verde pushing themselves to the hilt should be the most endearing story of the tournament. From their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who kept out three Messi freekicks throughout 90 minutes, to 23-year-old fullback Sidny Lopes Cabral, who scored a dramatic equaliser in extra time, every Cabo Verdean was a hero.

Diney Borges was adjudged to have scored an own goal in the 111th minute, while trying to clear a Cristian Romero header on goal. That was the decisive strike, which put an end to their remarkable World Cup story comprising an unbeaten group-stage run that began with a goalless draw against favourites Spain.

The match was expected to be Leo Messi’s best opportunity to sprint away from his competitors in the Golden Boot race. He stretched his tournament tally to seven with a delightful first touch and a classy finish in the 29th minute. But that was the end of Messi’s heroics on the night because Cabo Verde were not in awe of the great man.

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.

Deroy Duarte arrowed in from a narrow angle in the 59th minute to score Cabo Verde’s first equaliser. His skipper, Ryan Mendes, slipped a delicate pass from the right before Duarte 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. The underdogs defended resolutely, with Pico Lopes marshalling the defence with conviction, twice covering his goalkeeper. Yet, it wasn’t just their battle-readiness that kept Cabo Verde in the game against the world champions. The tiny African island nation repeatedly found a second wind when trailing.

Cabral’s long ranger that arched from a long way out of Emi Martinez’s goal before nestling in the far corner is certainly a contender for the best goal of the tournament. Lisandro Martinez had put Argentina in front for a second time with a thumping finish in the 92nd minute.

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.

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

Argentina will face Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the round of 16. The Africans defeated Australia 4-2 in a shootout earlier in the day.