By Razeen Gutta
Cape Verde’s fairytale Fifa World Cup journey ended on Friday, but the Blue Sharks left Miami with their heads held high after taking Argentina to the brink in a thrilling 3-2 extra-time defeat.
With the round of 16 now looming, the best of the round of 32 was saved for the end, with a thrilling game between the champions and the ultimate underdogs.
Making their tournament debut, Cape Verde had already stunned the world by drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to reach the knockout stages.
Against Lionel Messi’s defending champions, they delivered another spirited display in front of 65 000 fans.
Messi opened the scoring with a trademark touch and finish for his 20th World Cup goal, extending his record to eight straight World Cup games with a goal. But Cape Verde hit back after the break when Deroy Duarte drilled low past Emi Martinez to level matters.
Lisandro Martinez’s strike early in extra time put Argentina ahead again, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to answer with a thunderbolt into the top corner. The goal of the tournament so far.
The winner came from a Messi corner, deflected in off Diney Borges for an own goal.
Vozinha starred again in goal, denying Messi one-on-one, while Pico Lopes blocked Enzo Fernandez’s tap-in. Emi Martinez was forced into a vital late save to keep Argentina alive.
Though beaten, Bubista’s side won global respect, proving they belonged on the biggest stage.
Argentina will face Egypt next while Colombia, who beat Ghana in the final game of the round of 32, will take on Switzerland.
The last 16 kicks off with Morocco facing co-hosts Canada before France take on Paraguay. Both games kick off on Saturday evening, live on SuperSport.
Pictured above: Argentina vs Cape Verde
Source: @fifaworldcup
