Argentina avoided the biggest comeback in World Cup history by beating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time thanks to Dinay Borges’ own goal and advancing to the round of 16.
The lowest-ranked nation to qualify for the knockouts had the odds stacked against them, but they pushed the reigning champions to their limits and found themselves on the brink of elimination in one of the great World Cup matches.
After Lionel Messi’s superb opener it appeared to be business as usual, but the first shock came when Deroy Duarte curled the ball into the far corner just before bringing his side level.
A sloppy and tough performance from Argentina followed to see regulation time, but they thought they were not red-faced when Lisandro Martinez curled his effort into the top right corner in the second minute of extra time.
Sidny Lopes Cabral shocked Miami Stadium and the entire soccer world by dramatically scoring the goal of the tournament in 103 minutes.
As time passed, tensions in Argentina began to rise, and the belief that Cape Verde could also do the impossible grew. Christian Romero’s header from a corner was deflected by Borges to save the win for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
They will now face Egypt in the last 16 of the tournament, but despite the defeat, the story lies with Cape Verde.
A country of just over 600,000 people, a fifth of Buenos Aires, is abstaining from the competition with its head held incredibly high.
Although he came as a relative unknown in his first appearance on the biggest stage, he left with unforgettable memories and performances against Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Argentina that will forever be remembered in history.
Big moments in Miami…
29: target! Messi opened the scoring with an exquisite touch and finish and calmed Argentina’s nerves.
59: Shock Equalizer! Duarte pushed his efforts into the far corner to bring Cape Verde level.
73: Amazing save! Bosigna made one of eight saves to deny Messi’s free kick.
90+5: Another save! Messi’s free kick deflected into the path of Bozinha, who blocked him again.
92: target! L. Martinez restored Argentina’s lead with a shot into the top right corner.
103: speechless! S. Cabral scored the tournament contender’s goal to bring Cape Verde level again.
111: target! Romero’s header was deflected off Dini, breaking Cape Verde’s hearts.
One of the greatest World Cup matches in pictures!
Lionel Messi scores Argentina’s first goal against Cape Verde in the World Cup.
Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal against Argentina.
Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup match against Cape Verde in Miami.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts as Cape Verdean players celebrate the second goal scored by Cape Verde’s Sidney Lopez Cabral.
Cape Verde’s Dinay Borges’ own goal led to Argentina’s victory.
Analysis: Argentina won, but Cape Verde grabbed the headlines.
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:
A truly amazing performance took place in Cape Verde. They may be out of the World Cup, but they will undoubtedly be the story of the tournament.
A tenacious defense to keep Argentina at bay – buoyed by another goal-scoring heroics from Bozinha, who made eight saves on the evening and bravely pushed forward.
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s effort was enough for its quality alone to earn him Goal of the Tournament, but considering the circumstances and opposition, it will go down as one of the greatest strikes on the stage and will be remembered for years to come.
The same goes for the team who will be welcomed back as heroes and an inspiration to the next generation.
If you need an example of expanded formats and successes this summer, look no further than the Cape Verdean fairy tale unfolding in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
