Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run ended in heartbreak after the Blue Sharks pushed defending champions Argentina to extra time before losing 3-2 in a dramatic round-of-32 tie in Miami on Friday.
Bubista’s side twice came from behind against the holders and were minutes away from forcing a penalty shootout before an own goal from Diney Borges, following a Lionel Messi corner, finally ended their brave resistance.
Messi had opened the scoring in the first half with his 20th World Cup goal, before Deroy Duarte equalised after the break to stun the champions.
Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, but Cape Verde refused to fold and levelled again through a superb strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral.
The dream finally ended in the 111th minute when Argentina’s late pressure led to the decisive own goal. Argentina will now face Egypt in the round of 16, but Cape Verde leave the tournament with their reputation enhanced after one of the great debut campaigns in World Cup history.
Cape Verde frustrate champions
Cape Verde approached the match with discipline and belief, defending in a compact shape and waiting for opportunities to counter.
Argentina dominated possession for long periods, but the African debutants stayed organised and made the champions work for every opening.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martinez played a precise ball over the top for Messi.The Argentina captain controlled the pass and lifted the ball over the advancing Vozinha to give the holders the lead.
It was another historic moment for Messi, who moved back ahead in the Golden Boot race and continued his remarkable scoring run at the tournament.
But Cape Verde did not panic. They had already held Spain and Uruguay during the group stage, and they again showed that they could compete with elite opposition.
Duarte rewards Blue Sharks belief
Argentina controlled much of the ball after half-time, but their attempt to manage the match invited Cape Verde forward.
The Blue Sharks punished that lack of urgency in the 59th minute with a move full of confidence and quality.
A slick attack down the right opened space inside the Argentina penalty area, where Duarte finished low through the legs of Lisandro Martinez and beyond Emiliano Martinez.
The goal lifted Cape Verde and changed the mood inside the stadium. Suddenly, the world champions were under real pressure, and the African side began to believe that one of the biggest World Cup shocks was possible.
Vozinha then kept Cape Verde alive with a series of important saves, including one from Messi at close range, as the match moved into extra time.
