Late Own-Goal Helps Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare

Late Own-Goal Helps Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare 

By BSN Sports 

Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare against a resilient Cape Verde side, edging a pulsating contest 3-2 after extra time to secure their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Lionel Messi gave Argentina the perfect start, breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute after combining with Lautaro Martínez. The captain's composed finish handed Lionel Scaloni's side a narrow 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.

Cape Verde, however, refused to be intimidated by the reigning world champions and produced an inspired second-half display. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when D. Duarte calmly converted R. Mendes' delivery to restore parity.

The African underdogs continued to frustrate Argentina with a disciplined defensive performance, forcing the match into extra time after both teams remained locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation.

Argentina appeared to have regained control almost immediately after the restart when Lautaro Martínez finished from an Alexis Mac Allister assist in the 92nd minute to restore their lead.

Cape Verde responded once again in remarkable fashion. S. L. Cabral levelled the scores in the 103rd minute after an impressive build-up orchestrated by J. S. Monteiro, setting up a dramatic finale.

The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when D. Borges inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net under pressure, handing Argentina a 3-2 advantage that ultimately proved decisive.

Argentina were forced to navigate the closing minutes with 10 men after Gonzalo Montiel received a red card in the 115th minute. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the holders held firm to book their place in the knockout stage.

Although Cape Verde's historic World Cup journey came to an end, they departed the tournament with immense credit after pushing the defending champions to the brink in one of the competition's most captivating matches. Argentina, meanwhile, advanced after overcoming one of their toughest tests of the tournament so far.