Argentina defeated Cape Verde after three goals were scored in extra time of their World Cup Round of 32 match on Friday.
Read more Trump hails U.S. exceptionalism before veering into darkly political speech to usher in America 250
Lionel Messi put the reigning champion ahead with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal in the 29th minute. Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte scored a stunning equalizer in the 59th.
The goal, Duarte’s first in international play, silenced the pro-Argentina crowd in South Florida — a preview of what would be one of the most shocking outcomes in World Cup history if Cape Verde pulls off the upset.
The teams played 30 minutes of extra time and traded goals in the first of the 15-minute halves. But Argentina managed to avoid a penalty shootout thanks to an own goal from Diney Borges.
Read more Egypt wins in World Cup knockout round debut with 4-2 penalty shootout edge over Australia
Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup debut had been a stunning run that few outside the tiny island nation off the western coast of Africa could have predicted. Behind the stellar play of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, Cape Verde became the smallest country to reach the knockout round, securing surprising draws against Spain and Uruguay and another against Saudi Arabia.
Vozinha had seven saves against Argentina in regular time, including four against Messi, and has only allowed three goals during the tournament.
Read more Jhon Arias scores and Colombia beats Ghana 1-0 to reach the World Cup Round of 16