What was that? 🤯 Argentina and Cape Verde serve up an epic clash

What was that? 🤯 Argentina and Cape Verde serve up an epic clash An easy time against a World Cup debutant that qualified after three draws? That’s not what happened in Miami this Friday (3).  Defending champions Argentina had to WORK HARD against Cape Verde’s capable (and historic) side. They saw the clash for a place in the round of 16 go to extra time and won 3-2, with Messi decisive and unexpected protagonists stepping up. Argentina escaped a potentially massive embarrassment to set up a round-of-16 clash against Egypt.  As for the Blue Sharks, they bowed out of the World Cup with their heads held high and without losing in regular time against three world champions.  Check out the highlights soon.  Messi made the difference Making their World Cup debut, the African side was holding off yet another world champion after Spain and Uruguay. The Messi vs Vozinha duel had only really surfaced once, when the goalkeeper comfortably gathered the No. 10’s free-kick.  Bubista’s Cape Verde looked very organized without the ball. And they were not suffering. Then came the hydration break and, when play resumed, Messi was played through by Lisandro Martínez, brought it down and finished with no chance for Vozinha (28'). A goal “Messi-style.” And his 20th at the World Cup. His eighth straight World Cup match getting on the scoresheet.  They didn’t kill it off and.... The second half arrived and, with it, an Argentina side lacking the same intensity. Cape Verde kept believing. And started to control the game. Deroy Duarte tested Dibu in the 54th minute. And BEAT the Argentine goalkeeper five minutes later. Another efficient passing move and a deserved goal for the side that was pushing harder. Argentina ON THE ATTACK Cape Verde’s goal forced Scaloni into action. Argentina started to “take it seriously” again. And began to pile on the pressure. But Vozinha “made a name for himself,” including two good saves from Messi. Helping force another 30 minutes of football.  ABSURD extra time It took just two minutes of extra time for Argentina to go back in front. And again with Lisandro Martínez proving decisive.  Only the team on the other side refused to lose. And they found another equalizer thanks to a stunner from Sidny Cabral.  The other Argentine center-back on the pitch would take on the role of protagonist. Messi took the corner, Cuti Romero sent it goalward, and the ball took a deflection off Diney Borges. Argentina back in front again (111').  The Blue Sharks did not give up. And it could not have been any other way. But Argentina won a historic match. What now❓ La Albiceleste will face Egypt next Tuesday (7) in Atlanta. Whoever advances will meet Switzerland or the winner of Colombia vs Ghana — who play later today — in the quarterfinals. As for a possible semifinal opponent, it will be Brazil, Norway, Mexico or England.  This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.