Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup debut ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the round of 32 in Miami.
The Blue Sharks twice fought back from behind and looked set to force a penalty shootout before an own goal by Diney Borges from a Lionel Messi corner in the 111th minute sent Argentina through.
Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 29th minute, collecting a long pass from Lisandro Martinez before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Vozinha for his 20th World Cup goal.
Cape Verde responded after the break when Deroy Duarte finished a well-worked move in the 59th minute to level the match.
Argentina regained the lead two minutes into extra time through Lisandro Martinez, who reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner.
Cape Verde refused to surrender, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing a superb curling strike from the edge of the box to make it 2-2 and revive hopes of a famous upset.
However, Argentina’s pressure eventually paid off when Messi’s corner caused confusion in the Cape Verde defence, with Borges turning the ball into his own net to seal a 3-2 victory for the holders.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde leave the tournament with immense pride after an outstanding debut campaign. They progressed unbeaten from a group featuring Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before pushing the world champions to the limit.
Argentina advance to the round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cape Verde exit the tournament with their reputation significantly enhanced after one of the competition’s most memorable runs.
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