Defending champion Argentina advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 after a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over debutant Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday.
Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament and delivered a crucial corner kick in extra time to seal the win for the top-ranked team against the tournament's smallest nation by land area.
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Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made four elite saves against Messi in the final 60 minutes, keeping the underdogs competitive after they drew twice in the group stage to reach the knockout phase.
Cape Verde Earns Global Respect
"We have dignified Cape Verde as a national team in most parts of the world," said Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper.
"Today, we fought on an equal footing against Argentina."
The veteran goalkeeper played in front of his mother, who traveled to the United States after a global collaborative effort.
"He's a quality, quality goalkeeper," said Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes. "Probably hasn't gotten the recognition he deserves before this.
... He's a legend in Cape Verdean football."
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Lopes, originally recruited to the national team via a LinkedIn message, said the team earned global respect during their tournament run.
"Nobody has to ask where Cape Verde is now," said Lopes. "They know where we are."
The loss concludes a historic debut for the African nation, which will receive $11 million from FIFA for its tournament progression.
"Argentina is a world champion and they have one of the best players in the world, so that in itself speaks of the challenge it was for our team to overcome them," said Cape Verde coach Bubista.
"Above that, there's the fact that we're here for the first time. ...
We want to evolve so that we can have more opportunities to face the so-called big dogs of the tournament."
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Argentina is scheduled to face Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, entering as a heavy favorite according to tournament oddsmakers.
