In Extra Time: Argentina Scrapes Through to the Round of 16

Argentina has reached the World Cup Round of 16 after a narrow victory over Cape Verde.

The reigning world champions prevailed 3-2 in extra time after a tough fight against a very impressive Cape Verde side.

Messi Gives Argentina the Lead

Argentina struggled in the early stages against Cape Verde's deep-lying defensive block.

Lionel Messi repeatedly demanded the ball and had the first real chance in the 15th minute, but his shot from a tight angle went just wide of the goal.

But shortly after the water break, the moment arrived. Lisandro Martinez played a perfectly executed pass into the box for Messi, who controlled the ball superbly and beat Cape Verde keeper Vozinha with a powerful shot into the near post (29').

After that, Cape Verde also showed some attacking intent, but their final passes lacked precision.

Sensational Equalizer

In the second half, the underdog grew bolder, with Cape Verde testing Argentina keeper Martinez for the first time with a long-range shot from Duarte.

A short time later came the shock for Argentina. Cape Verde worked their way beautifully down the right flank, and the ball reached Duarte via Mendes, who beat Martinez from close range to score the sensational equalizer (59').

Messi Against Vozinha

A few minutes later, Argentina had a big chance to regain the lead, but Messi, running alone towards the goal, was denied by Vozinha.

From a free-kick in the 74th minute, the duel was once again Messi against Vozinha, and once again the keeper emerged victorious. He could just tip Messi's shot out of the corner.

In the closing stages, Argentina continuously increased the pressure. Cape Verde, however, continued to resist with great fighting spirit and forced the game into extra time.

Cabral Scores Wonder Goal for Another Equalizer

Once in extra time, it took barely two minutes before Argentina broke the deadlock.

A corner from Messi was flicked on to Lisandro Martinez. He shot from a similar position to Messi's 1-0 goal and also powerfully found the near post (92').

Cape Verde, however, refused to be beaten and scored another equalizer in the 103rd minute. Sidny Cabral received the ball at the left corner of the penalty area and from there, he curled the ball magnificently into the top corner.

Romero Scores the Decisive Goal

Argentina continued to struggle after that. Cape Verde seemed to have more energy.

However, in the 111th minute, the "Albiceleste" struck again from a corner. Messi delivered the ball to the head of Cristan Romero, who scored the decisive goal.

Cape Verde then tried everything again to score another equalizer, but the valiant underdog ultimately ran out of luck.

In the Round of 16, Argentina will now face Egypt on Tuesday.