Argentina struggled much more than expected to stay alive in the World Cup. The defending world champion needed two goals in extra time to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32, after a match in which the African team came very close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.
This time, it wasn’t Lionel Messi’s left foot that made the difference. The hero ended up being Cristian Romero, who popped up inside the box to head in a corner kick taken by the Argentine captain. The shot deflected off Diney Borges before beating the goalkeeper and sealing the 3-2 victory at Miami Stadium.
Argentina had taken the lead on two occasions. Messi opened the scoring in the first half, and in stoppage time, Lisandro Martínez put the Albiceleste back in front. However, Cape Verde responded every time it fell behind.
The African team—making its World Cup debut and the smallest country ever to advance past the group stage—once again showed its character. Deroy Duarte tied the game in the 59th minute, and later, Lopes Cabral surprised everyone with a powerful long-range shot from more than 23 meters out that nestled into the top corner to level the score again in extra time.
Just as the match seemed to be heading toward an even more dramatic conclusion, Romero stepped up to prevent the world champions’ elimination and seal their spot in the Round of 16.
With this hard-fought victory, Argentina will face Egypt on July 7 in Atlanta. The Pharaohs secured their spot after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout, and they will now look to halt the Albiceleste’s run in the next round of the World Cup.
