Argentina-Cape Verde thriller: Moments in pictures

Star Sports Desk


Reigning champions Argentina needed an extra-time own goal to overcome a resilient Cape Verde side 3-2 in a thrilling contest on Saturday and secure their spot in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Here are the moments:

16' – Messi opens the scoring

Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance, controlling a pass from Lisandro Martinez before finishing expertly past Vozinha to put Argentina ahead.

59' – Cape Verde strike back

Deroy Duarte stunned the favourites with a composed low finish into the far corner after being found by Ryan Mendes, making it 1-1.

92' – Martinez restores Argentina's lead

Early in extra time, Lisandro Martinez reacted quickest after a corner to fire home and give Argentina a 2-1 advantage.

103' – Cabral's goal-of-the-tournament contender

Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashed a sensational strike into the top corner to level the score at 2-2 and keep Cape Verde's dream alive.

111' – Own goal decides the tie

Cristian Romero met Messi's corner with a header that deflected off Diney Borges and into the net, with the goal officially awarded as an own goal, giving Argentina a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Late heroics from Emi Martinez

Cape Verde pushed relentlessly in the closing moments, but Emiliano Martinez produced a vital save to deny Cabral and preserve Argentina's lead.