DINEY Borges scored an unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute to save holders Argentina from one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as they struggled past brave debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in their round of 32 clash in Miami in the early hours of today.
The African team lying 64th in the FIFA rankings twice came back to equalise against opponents who are second in the world.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Cape Verde forced their illustrious opponents into extra-time. Lisandro Martinez then thought he had won it for Argentina with a superb finish in the 92nd minute.
But Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the World Cup’s great goals 11 minutes later when he cut inside to the left of the box and whipped a curling strike over goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and into the top corner to make it 2-2.
Enjoying the night of his career, Cabral then forced a stunning save from Martinez four minutes from the end of extra-time – but they could not draw level for a third time to force penalties.
It was a party atmosphere early in Miami – with thousands of expectant Argentines cheering on their team.
And they had looked to be easing their way to victory when Lionel Messi produced another moment of magic in the 29th minute.
The Argentina captain scored his 20th World Cup goal as he beautifully controlled defender Martinez’s long ball before finishing high into the net.
But the smallest nation to play in a World Cup knockout match were not about to leave the tournament quietly.
And Deroy Duarte’s second-half finish pulled Cape Verde level – as he made the run into the box and powered a finish through the legs of Manchester United defender Martinez and beyond the goalkeeper from a tight angle as a number of Cape Verde fans cried tears of joy.
Two minutes into extra-time in Miami, defender Martinez latched on to Alexis Mac Allister’s flick from a corner and produced a powerful finish to beat goalkeeper Vozinha.
Then came Cabral’s world-class equaliser for Cape Verde. And although it was not to be for them in the end, they certainly left the World Cup as heroes.
With agency report
