Argentina's hard-fought win over Cape Verde raises questions

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 4 : Argentina advanced to the World Cup last 16 with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, but the reigning champions left the match with new doubts after being pushed to the brink by the tournament debutants.

Cape Verde twice came from behind and exposed vulnerabilities in the South American team before defender Cristian Romero's header, diverted into the net by Cape Verde's Diney Borges, finally settled the contest.

Coach Lionel Scaloni had warned that Cape Verde would be dangerous after drawing with Spain and Uruguay in the group stage, but few anticipated such resistance from a side making their first World Cup appearance.

After a near-perfect group stage, with wins over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0) and Jordan (3-1), the narrow escape is likely to intensify scrutiny over Argentina ahead of their round-of-16 clash with Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Questions had lingered over the level of opposition they had faced, mirroring concerns during preparations in which Iceland in June were their first European opponents since the 2022 World Cup. Their defence had yet to face sustained pressure.

Marcelo Gallardo, the former River Plate coach who played in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, suggested the match may serve as a warning.

"It was good that this happened. There will be a reaction, there has to be a reaction," he said on ESPN Argentina.

MESSI TIRED

Lionel Messi, who netted a record-extending 20th World Cup goal in the first half, admitted the physical toll of the match, saying he finished the game tired as his side struggled to regain possession high up the pitch.

"They had the ball and made us run because we couldn't press," said the 39-year-old captain. "We couldn't press them properly, the lines