2022 World Cup holders, Argentina narrowly avoided one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history after a dramatic 111th-minute own goal from Diney Borges handed them a 3-2 extra-time victory over spirited debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
The match in Miami was a thrilling encounter that saw the 64th-ranked Cape Verde side twice come from behind against the world’s second-ranked team, pushing Lionel Messi’s Argentina to the limit before finally succumbing in extra time.
Argentina had taken the lead in the 29th minute through Messi, who registered his 20th World Cup goal, controlling a long pass from defender Lisandro Martínez before finishing emphatically into the net to give the favourites a 1-0 advantage.
However, Cape Verde refused to fold. After a tense opening hour, Argentina thought they had sealed victory when Lisandro Martínez struck in the 92nd minute, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to produce a moment of brilliance 11 minutes later, curling a sensational effort beyond Emiliano Martínez to level the match at 2-2 and send shockwaves through the stadium.
Cabral nearly turned hero again in extra time, forcing a superb save from the Argentine goalkeeper, as the underdogs continued to threaten a famous upset. But heartbreak followed in the 111th minute when Borges inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting Argentina a passage into the next round.
Earlier in the tournament, Colombia continued their impressive form with a commanding display to eliminate Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City. Jhon Arias’ first-half strike proved decisive in sweltering conditions as Ghana ended the match without a shot on target, capping a disappointing campaign that saw them register just four total attempts on goal across the tournament.
Colombia, who will next face Switzerland in Vancouver, controlled large spells of the match despite losing striker Jhon Córdoba early to injury. Ghana also suffered setbacks with Marvin Senaya forced off and replaced by Alidu Seidu, further disrupting their rhythm in a game they struggled to influence.
Elsewhere, Egypt made history by claiming their first-ever World Cup knockout victory, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Dallas.
Mohamed Salah calmly converted a Panenka in the shootout, while defender Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive kick to send the Pharaohs into the last 16. Australia saw Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington miss their penalties, ending their hopes despite a strong start to the match.
Egypt had taken an early lead through Emam Ashour, who powered home a header from Karim Hafez’s cross in the 13th minute, marking a landmark moment for the team, who have now scored more goals at this tournament than in their previous three World Cup appearances combined.
Australia created chances of their own, including a near miss from Cristian Volpato, but were ultimately unable to overturn the deficit as Egypt held firm to secure a historic progression into the next round.
