Argentina vs Cape Verde LIVE
Cristian Romero scored the winner in extra time as Argentina survived a massive scare to edge past Cape Verde and keep their World Cup campaign alive. Argentina led three times on the night and were twice pegged back Lionel Messi’s opener was cancelled out by Deroy Duarte, forcing extra-time, before Lisandro Martinez’s strike was also neutralised by Jovane Cabral’s wonder-goal.
But Romero’s towering header in the second half of extra time was enough to settle the score, and the reigning world champions Argentina live to fight another day. It is a heartbreaking result for the minnows Cape Verde, who exit the tournament having gone unbeaten in all four of their matches within 90 minutes. Their incredible campaign comes to an end with an all-time classic, where they were unfortunate not to come out on top against what theoretically was a vastly superior opponent.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the round of 16 after they beat Australia via a penalty shootout on Friday evening. Follow the action live below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, complete with expert insight and analysis.
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FULL-TIME: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
That does it! Argentina survive - by the skin of their teeth. Cape Verde can hold their heads high.
That, folks, was an all-time classic. Make note of where you were when you watched this - someone will probably ask you in a few years’ time!
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
It is an end-to-end finish. An Argentina attack breaks down and Cape Verde counter apace, but a long-range shot from Varela skids wide to neutralise the play.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
There will be three added minutes in the second half of extra time...
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
119mins: He was offside anyway, but that is a honking miss, given the circumstances.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
119mins: OH NO! Livramento shoots over from inside the six-yard box!
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
119mins: Remarkable goalkeeping! Martinez is quick off his line to clear away a dangerous chipped through-ball.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
117mins: Players are dropping like flies now, mostly with cramp. This has been an intense match on a hot evening, so it is really no surprise.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
116mins: Cabral shoots but Martinez tips it over! What a stop.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
116mins: This could be the moment. Cape Verde have a free-kick high on the right flank.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
Now then. Do Cape Verde have one last equaliser in them?