Argentina are through to the World Cup round of 16 after a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde in Miami Gardens. Cristian Romero’s 111th-minute header, helped in by a deflection off Diney Borges from a Lionel Messi corner, settled a match that came close to becoming a historic upset.
Messi opened the scoring in the first half, but Cape Verde refused to fade. Deroy Duarte levelled after the break, and after Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, Sidny Cabral produced a curling finish to make it 2-2 and keep the debutants alive.
Cape Verde’s resistance was built on discipline, belief and a major performance from goalkeeper Vozinha, who was credited in the source report with eight saves. Even after Argentina went back in front, Emiliano Martínez still had to deny Cabral’s late free kick to protect the result.
For Argentina, the victory brings relief more than comfort. Messi again carried a central role, scoring and assisting the decisive goal, but the champions were repeatedly opened up by a team ranked far below them in the source report. Cape Verde exit with respect, while Argentina advance with clear issues to address before the next round.
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