Champions Argentina need extra-time own goal to get past Cape Verde into last 16

How It Unfolded

Argentina were pushed far harder than expected in Miami, where Cape Verde repeatedly found ways to answer and force the match beyond regulation. The game turned on a late extra-time own goal, which finally separated the sides after a sequence of momentum swings and two Cape Verde equalizers.

The narrow margin matters because it shows how vulnerable the defending champions can look when opponents stay compact, defend well, and exploit moments in transition.

Why It Matters

The match also amplified Cape Verde’s reputation as a disciplined, fearless underdog. Even in defeat, the team’s ability to hang with a global powerhouse reinforced how much they had already exceeded expectations in this tournament.

For Argentina, the performance raises questions about how comfortably they can control knockout matches against organized, energetic opponents.

What's Next

Argentina now move into the last 16, where they must reset quickly after expending extra energy in a tense knockout game. Cape Verde exit, but their tournament run should remain a defining storyline of the World Cup.