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Messi, Argentina nearly suffered historic World Cup upset from Cape Verde -- but they fight on
Story of the match
Argentina had to work far harder than expected to stay in the tournament, and Cape Verde repeatedly responded to setbacks with composure. That made the match feel less like a routine knockout tie and more like a full-length survival test.
The extra-time finish meant both teams had chances to shape the story, but Argentina’s late breakthrough ultimately decided it. The game’s tension came from the fact that Cape Verde never looked overwhelmed, even against a far more decorated opponent.
Why it stands out
The most important takeaway is that Cape Verde’s World Cup run now has a signature performance, even in defeat. That can matter for a program’s long-term standing just as much as wins, especially when the opponent is a global power.
Argentina’s advance is the practical result, but the quality of the struggle could influence how future opponents prepare for them.
What follows
Argentina moves on to face Egypt, which means the team will need to recover quickly and sharpen execution in both boxes. If this match is any indication, nothing in the knockout rounds will be simple.
Cape Verde exits, but the country’s profile in international football has risen sharply after a display that earned respect far beyond the final score.