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Defending champion Argentina survived a fierce challenge from FIFA World Cup debutant Cape Verde, advancing only after a dramatic 120-minute battle that underscored the increasingly competitive nature of the tournament.
Although Cape Verde was eliminated, the African side delivered a performance that demonstrated it belonged among the world’s elite, pushing the defending champions to the limit before bowing out on an own goal in extra time.
As the knockout stage progresses, matches have become increasingly intense, with upsets, penalty shootouts, and late winners highlighting the narrow margins separating teams. Victories are becoming harder to secure as the Round of 32 nears completion.
Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after Lionel Messi’s corner kick led to an own goal deep into extra time. The result brought an end to the tournament debutant’s unbeaten run while reducing Africa’s representation in the competition. Of the 10 African teams that qualified for the World Cup, seven have now been eliminated.
Earlier in the day, Egypt kept Africa’s hopes alive by defeating Australia in a penalty shootout after the teams finished tied 1-1 following regulation and 30 minutes of extra time. Egyptian fans celebrated as their team prevailed 4-2 on penalties after Australia recovered from a one-goal deficit to level the match in the second half.
Argentina survived multiple scares against the smallest nation competing in the tournament, with Cape Verde extending its unbeaten streak through regulation time against the defending champions.
The decisive moment came after a well-delivered corner by Messi. Two Argentine players challenged for the ball before it deflected off a Cape Verde defender and into the net for an own goal, ending the spirited underdog’s remarkable run.
Messi also continued his outstanding tournament, scoring in his fourth consecutive match to lead the Golden Boot race with seven goals in four games. His tally includes the first World Cup hat trick of his career.
The day’s action began with an Africa-Asia showdown between Egypt and Australia. Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead before an own goal in the second half brought Australia level. Neither side found a winner in extra time, and Egypt advanced with a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout.
The marquee match of the day featured Cape Verde against Argentina, a contest that will be remembered for the resilience and determination displayed by the World Cup debutants against one of the tournament favorites.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte equalized 30 minutes later. In extra time, Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead, but Sidney Lopes Cabral responded in the 103rd minute to level the score once again. Argentina eventually secured victory through the late own goal, which was initially credited to Cristian Romero before being officially ruled an own goal by a Cape Verde defender.
In the final Round of 32 match, Colombia defeated Ghana to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Colombia entered the match as the favorite after winning Group K without a loss and carrying a four-match winning streak against African opponents. Ghana, which finished third in Group L, sought an upset that would have earned it a Round of 16 meeting with Switzerland.
Jhon Arias gave Colombia the lead in the 14th minute, and the South Americans held their advantage through halftime before preserving the result to advance. Colombia will face Switzerland in the Round of 16 on July 7.
