Argentina Edges Cape Verde 3-2 in Extra Time to Reach Quarterfinals
Argentina narrowly defeated World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the round of 16, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Egypt.
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Argentina survived a major scare against tournament debutants Cape Verde, winning 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup round of 16 match in Miami.
Regular time ended 1-1. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the tournament, but Deruj Duarte equalized for Cape Verde in the 59th minute. The underdogs held on to force extra time.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's lead early in extra time (91st minute), but Sidni Lopes Cabral leveled again in the 103rd minute. The winner came in the 111th minute when Messi's corner was headed by Cristian Romero, with the ball deflecting off Cape Verde's Dinei Borges into the net.
Despite dominating possession and shots (22-16, 10-5 on target), Argentina struggled against Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who made eight saves. Cape Verde previously held Spain to a 0-0 draw in the group stage.
Argentina will face Egypt in the quarterfinals, after Egypt beat Australia on penalties in their round of 16 match.
