Cape Verde’s fairytale World Cup debut came to a heartbreaking end on Friday as Argentina edged past the Blue Sharks 3-2 in extra time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, with a Diney Borges own goal ultimately settling one of the tournament’s most extraordinary contests.
The Blue Sharks, the smallest nation by population ever to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup, had been the surprise package of the tournament, making their debut unbeaten in Group H with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Ranked 67th in the world against the number-one ranked and reigning champions, Cape Verde were expected to be outclassed. Instead, they captured the world’s heart.
Argentina, guided by coach Lionel Scaloni, took the lead in the 29th minute through Lionel Messi, who extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 20 goals — his seventh in four games this tournament. But Argentina grew complacent and Cape Verde punished them ruthlessly. Deroy Duarte squeezed his effort into the far corner in the 59th minute to draw the Blue Sharks level and send shock waves through Miami.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, the 40-year-old who entered this World Cup with 50,000 Instagram followers and has since gained millions more, was imperious throughout. He made eight saves in total, four at the direct expense of Messi, including a breathtaking 73rd-minute stop from a quickly-taken free-kick that appeared destined for the top corner.
Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s advantage in the 92nd minute, whipping his effort into the top right corner after a Messi corner. But in the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in arguably the goal of the tournament from the left edge of the penalty area, stunning the entire stadium into silence.
That set the stage for a Cristian Romero header that deflected off Diney Borges to hand Argentina their winning goal in the 111th minute. Cape Verde head coach Bubista was magnanimous in defeat: “I’m enormously proud of my players. Not every team can score twice against Argentina and take them into extra time. That shows our character.”
Cape Verde will collect $11 million from FIFA for their historic run — but they have earned far more in global admiration.
