Argentina survive Cape Verde scare in extra-time thriller to avoid World Cup upset

MIAMI: Defending champions Argentina survived a monumental scare before defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to keep their World Cup dream alive on Friday (Jul 3).

Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, had looked on course for a straightforward win when the talisman opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a typically composed finish.

But Cape Verde refused to be overawed, and midfielder Deroy Duarte levelled the score in the 59th minute, capping a disciplined display that pushed the contest into extra time.

The defending champions looked to have regained control when defender Lisandro Martínez scored in extra time, restoring Argentina’s lead.

But the drama was far from over.

Cape Verde struck back once more through Sidny Cabral, whose 103rd-minute screamer stunned Argentina and brought the debutants level again.

It was left for defender Christian Romero to salvage the win eight minutes later via a deflected header off Diney Borges, as Cape Verde were unable to come back for the third time.

Argentina, who are bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil in 1962, will play Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said losing to Cape Verde "would have been madness".

It was "a very tough match; you always have to take the positives - this team (Argentina) never gives up", Scaloni said.

"We have to congratulate the opponent; when people say there are no easy opponents, they proved today that they are a great team," he emphasised.

"We finished very tired ... they gave it their all."

For Cape Verde, their performance - going toe-to-toe with the reigning champions and taking the match into extra time - marks a huge achievement on the world stage.

The smallest nation ever to