Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach World Cup last 16 after extra-time thriller

By Hoang Nguyen JUL. 4, 2026

Defending champions Argentina needed extra time to overcome spirited underdogs Cape Verde 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup round-of-32 clash on Friday.

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Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta (GMT+7)

July 4
120'+4

Game over!
What a game! Cape Verde went out in the most wonderful fashion possible after holding off the defending champions Argentina after 105 minutes. Hats off to them in their first-ever World Cup. Argentina will face Egypt in the next round.

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120'

The ball deflected off Lisandro Martinez and went out for a corner.

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119'

Almost an equalizer for Cape Verde. Martinez has to fly out to save at point-blank range.

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118'

A corner for Cape Verde, but it didn't get past Romero.

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116'

That was an actual scare for Argentina. Cabral's free kick was saved by Emi Martinez's fingertips.

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115'

Gonzalo Montiel was booked for fouling right at the edge. Big chance for Cape Verde.

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113'

Cape Verde are on the ball now, with urgency.

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111'

3-2 for Argentina!

Messi on the corner, Cristian Romero leaped high and his header deflected off the arm of a defender, beating Vozinha.

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Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, celebrates with teammates after Argentina's Cristian Romero scored the third goal against Cape Verde during the World Cup round of 32 football match in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. Photo by AP

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108'

Both teams still went back and forth in this half. No one is running out of steam.

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106'

Second half
Will there be more thrilling action in this half?

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Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach World Cup last 16 after extra-time thriller

Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach World Cup last 16 after extra-time thriller

Defending champions Argentina needed extra time to overcome spirited underdogs Cape Verde 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup round-of-32 clash on Friday.

Read more