Cabo Verde stunner gets people's vote as best World Cup goal

Cabo Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral has won the public vote for the best goal of the World Cup, capping off his team's historic tournament run. His spectacular curling shot into the corner against eventual champions Argentina was a standout moment.

The goal, which leveled the score at 2-2 in extra time during a thrilling Round of 32 match, ultimately saw Cabo Verde lose 3-2. Nevertheless, Lopes Cabral's strike was chosen as the best among the 308 goals scored throughout the tournament. It surpassed notable goals like Eldor Shomurodov's lob for Uzbekistan against DR Congo and Wilson Isidor's powerful shot for Haiti against Morocco.

FIFA had compiled a shortlist of 12 goals for the public to vote on, with the poll closing on Monday. Lopes Cabral's celebration added to the memorable occasion, as he broke away from teammates to embrace his girlfriend and mother in the stands. He had promised them he would celebrate with them if he scored.

"Before the game, I'd told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I'd run over to them," Lopes Cabral said. "When I got there, I saw my mom crying. She hadn't even realised I was right there. Everyone was busy tending to her because she had fainted when I scored."

Cabo Verde, an unheralded African team, made a stellar debut in the World Cup, defying expectations in their four matches. Goalkeeper Vozinha's exceptional performance contributed to a 0-0 draw against eventual finalists Spain in their opening game.

“

Before the game, I'd told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I'd run over to them. When I got there, I saw my mom crying. She hadn't even realised I was right there. Everyone was busy tending to her because she had fainted when I scored.