W’Cup: Argentina Survives Cape Verde Hurdle to Reach Last 16

By Breaking News Nigeria On Jul 4, 2026

By Samuel Akpan

Defending champions Argentina survived a ferocious challenge from Cape Verde, coming from behind twice before snatching a 3-2 extra-time victory that propelled them into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in a night of high drama.

Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, finishing a move started by Lautaro Martínez to give Argentina a 1-0 lead at the interval.

While the defending champions appeared firmly in control, Cape Verde refused to be backing down, showing zero fear against the world titleholders.

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The African side deservedly restored parity in the 59th minute when D. Duarte converted a pass from R. Mendes.

Cape Verde’s disciplined and spirited display kept Argentina at bay, forcing the match into extra time with the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Argentina appeared to have regained the advantage early in extra time when Lautaro Martínez struck in the 92nd minute from an assist by Alexis Mac Allister.

However, Cape Verde produced another stunning response as S. L. Cabral equalised in the 103rd minute after fine work by J. S. Monteiro.

Argentina hold the record for the most World Cup matches that have gone beyond 90 minutes, with 12 such games compared to 11 each for Germany and Italy.

The holders needed every ounce of their experience to find the winner.

The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when Cape Verde defender D. Borges turned the ball into his own net under pressure, putting Argentina 3-2 ahead.

Ten minutes later, Gonzalo Montiel was sent off, leaving the South Americans to defend their lead with 10 men for the closing stages.

Argentina held firm despite the numerical disadvantage to secure their place in the Round of 16.

The victory extended their remarkable run of eight consecutive wins against African opponents at the World Cup, following earlier triumphs over Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Algeria in this tournament.

Cape Verde earned widespread admiration for pushing the defending champions to the brink of elimination.

The Blue Sharks finished unbeaten in regular time across their four matches against top-ranked sides including Spain, Uruguay and Argentina, scoring four goals and conceding five while recording three draws and one loss.

Meanwhile, Argentina have advanced to face Egypt in the Round of 16 after surviving one of their sternest examinations yet at this World Cup.