Argentina edges Cape Verde in extra time to reach round of 16

The 40-year-old custodian, who had already become a World Cup star in the goalless draw with Spain, grew into the game's central figure after the break. In the 63rd and 73rd minutes he saved from Messi, and in stoppage time of normal time he dealt with another free kick from the Argentine captain. With Lionel Scaloni's men apparently heading into extra time at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the sensation for the West Africans seemed within touching distance.

Extra-time drama: a screamer and an own goal

But normal time was not quite over. In the second minute of stoppage time, Lisandro Martínez struck from a set piece to make it 2-1 to Argentina. Those who thought the contest was now decided were proved wrong: Sidny Lopes Cabral, who until a year ago had been playing for Viktoria Köln in Germany's fourth division, curled a spectacular effort into the top-right corner in the 103rd minute and ran off to celebrate in the stands. The goal will go down as one of the highlights of this tournament.

The second period of extra time began with mounting Argentine desperation, but salvation came for the South Americans in the 111th minute in the shape of a mishap: from a corner kick, Cape Verde defender Diney Borges turned the ball into his own net – French referee Stéphanie Frappart ruled it an own goal. In the remaining minutes, World Cup-winning keeper Emiliano Martínez held on to the narrow lead.

Reactions after the game: respect and relief

Coach Lionel Scaloni spoke after the final whistle of an incredibly tough match and was glad to have reached the next round. Messi, who continues to hold the record with his now 20 World Cup goals, said: "Auch wenn wir schlecht spielen, kommen wir zurück" and paid tribute to the opposition. Bubista, on the Cape Verdean side, was visibly proud: "Wir müssen stolz auf das sein, was wir erreicht haben." A nation of barely more than 500,000 inhabitants had pushed the three-time world champion of 46 million citizens to the brink of embarrassment.

In the round of 16, Argentina now faces Egypt on Tuesday (18:00 CEST, live on ORF1) in Atlanta, after the north Africans had earlier in Dallas edged Australia on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The Argentines, who as the world's number-one-ranked side had taken on the 67th-placed team in the FIFA rankings, will need a marked improvement in the next assignment if they are to defend their title successfully.

Press verdicts: a classic of historic proportions

For Cape Verde, whose World Cup debut made world football sit up and take notice, the tournament ends with a remarkable record: unbeaten in the group stage, narrowly beaten in the round of 16 – and with a reputation as a side that pushed the reigning champions to the limits of their ability.

The international press responded with wide acclaim for the underdog. England's The Guardian called it a "World Cup classic" in which Argentina "break the hearts of fans". Spain's Marca wrote that extra time had rescued Argentina from "a World Cup miracle by Cape Verde". Argentina's Clarín headlined: "Argentina beats Cape Verde in a match full of agony and reaches the round of 16." Italy's Corriere dello Sport declared: "Argentina reaches the round of 16, but what a battle!"

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport went further, describing the defending champions' display as simply "ugly". France's L'Équipe spoke of "pure madness" and noted that "Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina narrowly escaped the biggest surprise in World Cup history." The international perception was clear: the winner was celebrated, but the loser was the night's quiet star.

Aside from the tactical and playing aspects, one refereeing detail also stood out: for the first time at this World Cup, FIFA deployed officials from all three host nations, seen as a symbolic act of tournament marketing. Stéphanie Frappart of France refereed the match, assisted by colleagues from the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Looking ahead to the round of 16: Argentina to face Egypt

Alongside Argentina's success, other decisions had already been reached over the weekend: Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in the final round-of-16 tie to complete the last 16. Austria, who had been hoping for a miracle against Spain, were beaten 3-0 by La Furia Roja and have been eliminated.

Cape Verde, in any case, leaves a lasting impression with this performance. The "Blue Sharks," as the side was referred to in the coverage, played with a blend of tactical discipline and offensive daring that had already earned them respect against the former world champions in the group stage. The fact that they came back to equalize twice against Argentina underlines the character of this team.

Looking ahead to the round of 16 against Egypt, Argentina will need to significantly raise their level. The north Africans, who overcame Australia on penalties, boast a compact defense and pacy counter-attacks – a profile not unlike Cape Verde's. For Messi and Co., after the fright in Miami, the serious business of title defense now begins.

Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (France) – Goals: 1:0 Messi (29.), 1:1 D. Duarte (59.), 2:1 L. Martínez (92.), 2:2 Sidny (103.), 3:2 Diney Borges (111./own goal) – Yellow cards: Montiel and D. Duarte, Sidny, Da Costa