Lionel Messi and Argentina survive World Cup scare as Cape Verde force extra time
· Yahoo Sports
Cape Verde refused to exit this FIFA World Cup without a battle, and even though Argentina ultimately got the better of them, they certainly didn't go quietly.
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The African nation has been among the tournament's most uplifting stories - beginning with their scoreless tie against Spain that felt like a victory. They then experienced the euphoria of a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, before being confronted by their steepest challenge yet in Miami.
When Lionel Messi's spectacular opener gave Argentina a 1-0 advantage, Cape Verde appeared to be facing an insurmountable task as they emerged for the second half, as per The Mirror.
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However, the determined World Cup underdogs ensured we had a game on our hands when Deroy Duarte hammered home an equalizer from a narrow angle, hushing the bulk of the spectators at Hard Rock Stadium, but electrifying a small island off the west coast of Africa with just over 500,000 inhabitants.
Goalkeeper Vozinha has been among the standout performers of this World Cup - and he faced down Messi and prevailed shortly after the Cape Verde equalizer. He held strong to deny an attempt from the Argentine, who lacked the decisive touch with his right foot, to maintain parity heading into the second hydration break.
Messi would be thwarted in the fourth minute of stoppage time - his last opportunity of regulation as Cape Verde managed to force extra time and preserve the possibility of what would surely have been the greatest World Cup upset ever.
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez must have believed he'd sealed the game in the opening minutes of extra time. The defender found himself unmarked at the back post from a corner and, after being afforded far too much time and space, took a touch and fired home at the near post.
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Cape Verde refused to follow the script, however, as Sidny Lopes scored what will surely be the goal of the tournament. He cut in from the left and bent a stunning strike into the far top corner.
His celebration carried him into the stands and, despite the best efforts of security, he stood by the small section of Cape Verde supporters and waited to embrace a fan. Time seemed to stand still as his strike hit the net before Lopes savored what will surely be the highlight of his career.
For Argentina, the third time truly was the charm as Cristian Romero headed home a Messi corner to put the South Americans ahead with fewer than ten minutes on the clock. Messi's outswinging corner was met by the defender, whose header deflected in and past Vozinha.
That kept alive the prospect of Messi and Argentina defending their title, as the team walked out behind their talisman before the game in scenes that echoed a boxer's ring walk.
-Credit:Steph Chambers - FIFA, FIFA via Getty ImagesThe Inter Miami superstar has very little left to accomplish, but securing the Golden Boot remains on that remarkably short list. He'd watched the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane all score in their Round of 16 games - with all three emerging coming out on top. Messi's goal in Miami pushed him one clear of Mbappe heading into the Round of 16.
Martinez's lofted pass was exquisitely brought down by Messi, who converted with his subsequent touch to hand his nation the lead and maintain his pursuit of one of the rare honors that has escaped him to date.
Earlier in the evening, Mohamed Salah had delivered an audacious panenka during a penalty shootout that saw Egypt overcome Australia. They secured their place in the final 16 for the first time in their history - and now confront the challenge of toppling the champions.