Argentina advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 following a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in Miami. Lionel Messi provided an assist for Cristian Romero’s 111th-minute winner to secure the win after the match ended 1-1 during regulation time. The defending champions will face Egypt on July 7.
How Argentina secured the win against Cape Verde
The match began with a slow tempo in Miami, as Argentina struggled to find openings against a disciplined Cape Verde defense during the first 30 minutes. The deadlock broke when Lionel Messi received a high through ball from Lisandro Martínez and scored, marking his 20th career goal in the World Cup.
Cape Verde responded in the second half. Deroy Duarte, who plays for Ludogorets Razgrad, equalized by striking the ball between the legs of an Argentine defender to make the score 1-1. This result forced the match into extra time.
Argentina took the lead again early in the extra period. Lisandro Martínez scored from a corner kick, finding the upper corner of the goal to make it 2-1. However, Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral equalized again just before the end of the first extra-time half with a curved shot into the top corner.
The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute. Messi directed the ball to Cristian Romero, who headed it into the far corner to finalize the 3-2 scoreline.
Lionel Messi’s goal against Cape Verde was his 20th career goal in World Cup competition.
Why Vozinha’s performance challenged the defending champions
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, played a central role in keeping the African debutants competitive against the world champions. Vozinha recorded several high-profile saves, including a stop against an Enzo Fernández attempt and multiple denials of Lionel Messi.
Messi attempted to break the deadlock several times through set pieces. He delivered a curved free kick toward the far corner, but Vozinha successfully reached the ball to maintain the tie. During stoppage time, the goalkeeper also repelled another free kick from Messi.
While Argentina’s defense, led by goalkeeper Dibu Martínez, managed to save a late curved shot from Lopes Cabral, the match remained a high-tension struggle due to Vozinha’s ability to prevent Argentina from extending their lead during regulation.
Comparing Cape Verde’s attacking styles
Cape Verde demonstrated two distinct methods of breaking through the Argentine defense. Deroy Duarte’s equalizer relied on a quick, low strike through a defender’s legs, while Sidny Lopes Cabral used technical precision to curve the ball into the top corner. This variety forced Argentina to defend both low-ground attacks and high-trajectory shots.
What happens next for Argentina in the tournament
Argentina moves into the Round of 16 to face Egypt. The match is scheduled for July 7. Following this intense encounter, the defending champions will look to maintain momentum after a match that required 120 minutes to resolve.
Keep an eye on Lisandro Martínez in the next round. He contributed both a goal and an assist during this extra-time victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Argentina won 3-2 in extra time.
Argentina will play Egypt on July 7.
Cristian Romero scored the winning goal in the 111th minute.
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