Extra-time own goal finally gets Argentina past Cape Verde and into last 16

Reigning champions Argentina scraped into the World Cup last 16 on Friday, needing an extra-time own goal to finally break the spirit of a remarkably resilient Cape Verde side. The thrilling 3-2 victory at Miami Stadium saw Argentina advance to face Egypt, while Cape Verde's historic debut ended in the round of 32. Lionel Messi had given Argentina the lead in the 29th minute, but Deroy Duarte equalized just before the hour mark. Lisandro Martinez then put Argentina ahead again in extra time with a powerful shot, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to level the score once more with a curling free-kick. The decisive moment came six minutes into the second period of extra time when Cristian Romero's header, following a Messi corner, deflected off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and into the net. Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world, had defied expectations throughout the tournament, drawing all three of their group-stage matches. They displayed incredible teamwork and grit, twice coming from behind to silence the large crowd. Despite the loss, their performance was lauded as magnificent, proving they were far from outclassed by the three-time world champions.

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Six minutes into the second period of extra time, Lionel Messi swung a corner into the box and Cristian Romero rose to head home off the arm of Cape Verde centre back Diney Borges and finally set up a date with Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday.