Argentina snatched a dramatic win over valiant Cape Verde as a Diney own goal from Cristian Romero’s header deep into extra time handed the reigning champions a 3-2 win in an instant World Cup classic.
Lionel Messi had extended his fine form by scoring in an eighth successive World Cup game to break the deadlock in the first half but the minnows refused to accept defeat.
Deroy Duarte’s driven effort brought the African side level to force extra time before Lisandro Martinez’s delightful, curled finish at the near post looked to move the world champions into the last 16.
A thunderous strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral replied for Cape Verde to make it 2-2 and spark wild scenes of celebrations but Romero rose highest to flick home Messi’s 111th-minute corner off the arm of Diney to put the world champions through after the hugest of scares
Relive all the action in our live blog below:
Mexico v England kick-off farce latest
England’s game against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning will now remain at its original kick-off time.
Cape Verde’s Sidny Cabral celebrates in crowd after scoring screamer against Argentina
With his side trailing 2-1 in extra time, Cabral cut past Alexis Mac Allister into the box before bending spectacularly into the top-right corner, curling around the body of Nahuel Molina as Cape Verde pegged back the holders for the second time of their last-32 clash.
Wild celebrations erupted inside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with 23-year-old Cabral – who plays for Turkish side Trabzonspor – leaping into the stands to celebrate amongst the Cape Verde fans, among which were presumably his friends and family.
Cabral’s stunner – and amazing celebration
Sidny Cabral scored arguably the goal of the tournament and celebrated by jumping into the crowd as tiny Cape Verde threatened to produce one of biggest ever World Cup upsets against Argentina.
With his side trailing 2-1 in extra time, Cabral cut past Alexis Mac Allister into the box before bending spectacularly into the top-right corner, curling around the body of Nahuel Molina as Cape Verde pegged back the holders for the second time of their last-32 clash.
Wild celebrations erupted inside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with 23-year-old Cabral leaping into the stands to celebrate amongst the Cape Verde fans.
The biggest justification imaginable for a 48-team World Cup.
Cape Verde did not sit back and look to frustrate. They gave it such a go, scoring two fantastic goals and almost humbling the reigning champions.
Everyone appears exhausted. Argentina are barely able to celebrate. Cape Verde’s players are displaying both pride and sadness that their run has ended.
FULL-TIME! Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (aet)
The reigning champions are through.
But Cape Verde are the heroes from this match; the minnows who almost achieved the greatest upset of all.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
122’ – Varela shoots wide from 25 yards. Emi Martinez pumps his fists. There is still a minute to go.
