Video: Dibu Martínez's save preserves Argentina's 3-2 win over Cape Verde, securing World Cup spot

Argentina has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Cape Verde. The match, which extended into extra time, saw Argentina clinch the win thanks to a decisive late header from Cristian "Cuti" Romero.

The game was a tense affair, with both teams battling fiercely. Argentina initially took the lead in extra time with a goal from Lisandro Martínez. However, Cape Verde responded with an equalizer from Sidny Lopes Cabral. Romero's header in the 111th minute ultimately proved to be the game-winner.

In the dying moments of the match, with Argentina leading 3-2, Cape Verde was awarded a free-kick near the penalty area. Lopes Cabral's subsequent shot was met with a heroic, last-ditch save by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, who stretched to tip the ball around the post. This critical intervention preserved Argentina's narrow lead and prevented the game from potentially heading to a penalty shootout.

Argentina will now advance to face Egypt in the Round of 16. The team is scheduled to return to their base in Kansas City before traveling to Atlanta for the match on Tuesday, July 7th. The winner of the Argentina-Egypt game will proceed to face the victor of the Switzerland vs. Colombia-Ghana match in the quarterfinals.

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If not for the enormous save by Dibu Martínez with his outstretched hand, it would have been the 3-3 for the African team.