Argentina Advances After Extra-Time Thriller Against Cape Verde Islands
July 4, 2026 ยท By yayscore Newsroom
Updated:
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Argentina secured their spot in the next round of the World Cup with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over a resilient Cape Verde Islands.
Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde Islands 3-2 in a fiercely contested Round of 32 clash that required extra time. Early dominance from the South American giants saw Lionel Messi open the scoring in the 29th minute, putting them in control. However, Cape Verde Islands showed remarkable fortitude, battling back to keep the tie alive.
The second half saw Cape Verde Islands equalize through Diney Duarte in the 59th minute, shifting the momentum. Lautaro Martinez then restored Argentina's lead in the 92nd minute with a goal that seemed to seal their progression. Yet, S. Lopes Cabral netted for Cape Verde Islands in the 103rd minute of extra time, once again drawing level and pushing the match to a tense conclusion.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when an own goal from Cape Verde Islands' Dylan Borges handed Argentina a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. Despite Cape Verde Islands' spirited performance and resilience, including strong goalkeeping, Argentina's superior possession and shot count ultimately paid off. Both teams received a single yellow card, reflecting the competitive nature of the encounter.
This victory means Argentina progresses to the next knockout round, keeping their World Cup hopes alive, while Cape Verde Islands are eliminated. The hard-fought win will serve as a stark reminder for Argentina that no opponent can be underestimated in the knockout stages of the tournament.