Ashwin Praises Cabo Verde's World Cup Performance
Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has hailed FIFA World Cup debutants Cabo Verde for their spirited performances, which saw them push defending champions Argentina to the limit before losing 3-2 after extra time. In a post on X, Ashwin wrote: "Whatever happens from here on in. Remember the name 'CAPE VERDE' What a team and what a show they have put on so far this World Cup. #FIFAworldcup."
Cabo Verde's Impressive Group Stage
Cabo Verde's World Cup campaign may not have ended with a victory, but their run earned widespread admiration. The debutants held European champions Spain to a goalless draw, shared points with Saudi Arabia, and drew against former champions Uruguay. These results helped them secure a Round of 32 berth in their maiden appearance at the global event.
Knockout Stage Clash Against Argentina
Against Lionel Messi-led Argentina in the knockout stage, Cabo Verde showed resilience and determination, taking the match to extra time. An own goal from Diney Borges in the 111th minute handed the defending champions a ticket to the round of 16.
Match Highlights
Cabo Verde started brightly and tested Argentina early through Ryan Mendes. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi produced a moment of brilliance, controlling Lisandro Martinez's diagonal pass before firing into the roof of the net. The strike marked his seventh goal of the tournament, taking him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
After halftime, Cabo Verde returned with renewed intensity. Just before the hour mark, Mendes released Deroy Duarte, who finished confidently from a tight angle to score his country's first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal and level the contest. Argentina were repeatedly denied by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose outstanding saves kept the scores level and forced extra time.
Argentina restored their advantage almost immediately after extra time began as Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner in the 92nd minute. Yet Cabo Verde refused to back down, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing a stunning curling effort in the 103rd minute from a tight angle to make it 2-2 once again.
The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Messi's corner was met by Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges before finding the back of the net in the 111th minute. Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties late on, but Emiliano Martinez produced a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral's powerful free-kick.
Argentina's Next Match
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cabo Verde exit the tournament after earning widespread praise for their debut World Cup campaign.
