Cape Verde has drawn against big nations on a regular basis during the World Cup - and in the round of 16 against Argentina, the team continued to impress.
A 1–1 draw after 90 minutes became 2–2 in extra time before Argentina's Cristian Gabriel Romero managed to head the ball in past a defender - making it 3–2 with just a few minutes left in extra time.
“Showed who we are”
Cape Verde national team captain Bubista praises his team, despite the defeat.
We equalized twice against the world champions and forced extra time, he says after the match.
More than anything else, it's about being proud of the players. They played with dignity in the World Cup. We showed who we are.
Argentina initially looked to have the match under control. After a commanding first-half lead, Messi put Argentina 1–0 ahead and became the first player ever to score seven goals in two separate World Cup tournaments.
Acknowledged with dream goals
Then came the shock. Cape Verde equalized through Deroy Duarte in the 59th minute and at times pressured top nation Argentina. When Lisandro Martinez made it 2-1 at the start of extra time, Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral responded with a real cannon that may have been one of the most beautiful goals of the tournament.
Argentina certainly took the lead again, but Cape Verde chased frantically and had several chances to make it 3–3 in the final minutes of extra time.
Argentina next faces Egypt in the round of 16.
Cape Verde, a country with a population of around 500,000, faced Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
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