World Cup – Cape Verde Earns Global Respect After Argentina Thriller
World Cup – Cape Verde may have left the FIFA World Cup without a victory in regulation time, but their first appearance on football’s biggest stage has drawn admiration across the sport. The island nation pushed defending champions Argentina into extra time in the Round of 32, eventually losing 3-2 after an own goal settled a dramatic contest.
Ibrahimovic Praises Cape Verde’s Tournament Impact
Former AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic praised Cape Verde after the match, describing the squad as a team that had exceeded expectations throughout the competition. Speaking on FOX Sports, he said the players had become heroes for supporters back home after challenging one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Ibrahimovic said Cape Verde’s campaign showed what can happen when a smaller football nation competes with belief and discipline. He noted that the team had not lost a match inside 90 minutes during the tournament and came close to producing one of the competition’s biggest surprises against Argentina.
The former Sweden international said he expected the players to receive a major welcome when they return home. According to Ibrahimovic, the team’s performance had given the country a moment that would remain part of its sporting history for years.
Historic Progress From the Group Stage
Cape Verde reached the knockout rounds after a series of resilient displays in the group stage. They held defending champions Spain to a goalless draw and also shared points with Saudi Arabia and former World Cup winners Uruguay.
Those results secured an unexpected place in the Round of 32 and gave Cape Verde an opportunity to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina. While the side did not register a regulation-time win, its performances reflected strong organisation, defensive commitment and a willingness to attack when chances appeared.
Messi Opens the Scoring for Argentina
Cape Verde began the knockout match with confidence and tested Argentina early through Ryan Mendes. Argentina gradually found more control, however, and took the lead in the 29th minute.
Messi brought down a diagonal ball from Lisandro Martinez before finishing powerfully into the top corner. The goal was his seventh of the tournament and moved him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Argentina carried their advantage into halftime, but Cape Verde returned with greater urgency after the break. Their pressure eventually produced a landmark moment for the country.
Cape Verde Responds With Landmark Goal
Just before the hour mark, Mendes released Deroy Duarte, who scored from a narrow angle to level the match. It was Cape Verde’s first goal in a World Cup knockout match and gave the team fresh belief against the reigning champions.
Argentina created several opportunities to regain the lead, but goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a series of important saves, including stops against Messi. His performance helped keep the score level and forced the match into extra time.
Lisandro Martinez put Argentina ahead again in the 92nd minute when he finished from close range after a corner. Cape Verde responded once more, with Sidny Lopes Cabral curling in an impressive effort from a difficult angle in the 103rd minute.
Late Own Goal Decides the Contest
The decisive goal came in the 111th minute. Messi’s corner was met by Romero, whose header took a deflection off Diney Borges before crossing the line. The own goal gave Argentina a 3-2 lead and ultimately secured their place in the Round of 16.
Cape Verde nearly sent the match to penalties in the closing moments, but Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save from Lopes Cabral’s free-kick. Argentina will next face Egypt, while Cape Verde exit with widespread respect after a memorable World Cup debut.