Incredible Cape Verde bow out as Argentina win to set up Egypt clash
Cape Verde put up a fantastic performance against the defending champions Argentina but bowed out honourable as the Argentines sealed a 3-2 win after extra time in their round of 32 clash at the World Cup.
The team lying 64th in the Fifa rankings twice came back to equalise against opponents who are second in the world.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute when he scored his seventh goal in the tournament but Deroy Duarte equalised for Cape Verde in the second half.
Lisandro Martinez then fired Argentina into an extra-time lead before Sidny Lopes Cabral’s incredible strike pegged the Island nation back.
Diney Borges’ own goal then secured safe passage for Argentina who face Egypt in the last 16.
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Cape Verde had had a good run in this year’s tournament, holding all three teams in their group to draw, beginning with Spain.
Goalkeeper Vozinha was lauded a hero for his performance in the 0-0 draw with Spain in the opening group game but he went one better this time.
The 40-year-old made eight saves – including a one-on-one with Messi and a fingertip stop from the Argentina captain’s free-kick.
Cape Verde have now crashed out of the competition but they will be remembered as the underdog that took the world by surprise in North America.
