Cape Verde pushed Argentina to the brink in a thrilling World Cup knockout match, narrowly missing what would have been the greatest shock in tournament history. Lionel Messi scored a brilliant strike, but Cape Verde equalised twice through Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral, forcing extra time before Argentina ultimately advanced.
Vozinha Steals the Show
The match's defining figure was Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, whose club career peaked in Moldova, Slovakia, and Portugal's second tier. He made several crucial saves, nearly upstaging Messi. Critics who dismissed him as a novelty act were forced to reconsider as his heroics earned him cult status, drawing comparisons to legends like Pak Doo-ik, Teófilo Cubillas, and Roger Milla.
Argentina's Gritty Escape
Argentina's players wept with relief after the final whistle. The match, played in Miami—Messi's adopted home—saw the star avoid an embarrassing early exit. Next, Argentina faces Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, a team that reached the last 16 after a penalty shootout win over Australia. That shootout was notable for Mat Ryan's unsuccessful introduction as a replacement goalkeeper, as Egypt converted all their penalties.
Cape Verde's Legacy
Despite the loss, Cape Verde—the third-smallest nation by population to reach the World Cup after Curaçao and Iceland—earned lasting respect. Their performance will be remembered as the true highlight of the 2026 tournament, proving that Gianni Infantino's expanded knockout format can deliver drama.
Other Tournament Updates
In other news, Canada faces Morocco at 6pm BST, and Paraguay plays France at 10pm BST. Meanwhile, Mexico's co-host status saw confusion over a kick-off time change for their match against England due to thunderstorms, but FIFA ultimately kept the original 6pm local start. Javier Aguirre criticized the uncertainty, calling it 'a kick in the stomach.'
