By Zoila Palma: Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash last night.
The South American giants secured victory in the 111th minute when Cape Verde defender Diney Borges inadvertently turned Lionel Messi’s free kick into his own net while challenging Cristian Romero, sending Argentina through to the Round of 16.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a superb finish before Deroy Duarte leveled for Cape Verde in the second half.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, but Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning equalizer to keep the African side’s hopes alive. With penalties approaching, Borges’ unfortunate own goal proved decisive, although Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez still had to make two crucial saves to preserve the victory.
The win sends Argentina into a Round of 16 meeting with Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday after the Egyptians eliminated Australia in a penalty shootout.
Messi’s goal was his seventh of the tournament, moving him ahead of Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race, while also making history as the first player to score in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances and extending his record to 20 World Cup goals in 30 tournament matches.
The post International News: Messi leads Argentina past resilient Cape Verde in extra-time World Cup game appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash last night. The South American giants secured victory in the 111th minute when Cape Verde defender Diney Borges inadvertently turned Lionel Messi’s free kick into his own
The post International News: Messi leads Argentina past resilient Cape Verde in extra-time World Cup game appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
