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Argentina luckily escape as they manageably survive tiny Cape Verde scare after extra time
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Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat rank outsiders Cape Verde 3-2 after extra-time in an epic contest to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday.
Lionel Scaloni’s side looked set for a comfortable evening when captain Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, latching onto an exquisite lofted pass from Lisandro Martínez before firing emphatically into the roof of the net.
Despite Argentina dominating possession and creating the better chances, Cape Verde refused to be overawed and produced a resilient second-half display that stunned the South American giants.
The Africans drew level in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes picked out Deroy Duarte, who calmly slotted beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to ignite hopes of one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Messi twice came close to restoring Argentina’s advantage, only to be denied by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose string of outstanding saves kept his side in the contest.
With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time.
Argentina regained the lead almost immediately after the restart when defender Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest inside the six-yard box in the 92nd minute, converting from close range after Alexis Mac Allister had nodded a Messi corner into his path.
But Cape Verde responded once again in remarkable fashion.
In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashed a stunning strike from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Emiliano Martínez rooted and forcing another dramatic twist in an already pulsating encounter.
Just as the tie appeared destined for a penalty shootout, Argentina found the decisive breakthrough.
A dangerous corner delivered by Messi in the 111th minute caused panic inside the Cape Verde penalty area, with defender Diney Borges inadvertently turning the ball into his own net under intense pressure to hand the two-time world champions a 3-2 lead.
Cape Verde refused to surrender and launched a relentless late assault.
Emiliano Martínez produced two outstanding saves in the closing minutes, first denying Steven Moreira’s close-range header before brilliantly pushing away a dangerous free-kick from Sidny Lopes Cabral to preserve Argentina’s slender advantage.
The final whistle confirmed Argentina’s passage after one of the most dramatic matches of the knockout stage.
While Messi once again inspired his side with a goal, an assist and constant attacking menace, Cape Verde emerged with enormous credit after pushing one of football’s traditional powerhouses to the limit in a fearless performance that won admiration despite the heartbreaking defeat.
Egypt have become the second African country to qualify for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Pharoahs beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Emam Ashour opened the scoring in the first half, before Mohamed Hany’s own goal levelled the game in the 55th minute.
It’s a first ever World Cup knockout win for Egypt and they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde next.
Morocco were the first African team to progress into the Round of 16 and they will take on co-hosts Canada.
Six countries from the continent have already been eliminated.
FIFA is considering switching the 2026 World Cup last-16 match between co-hosts Mexico and Egypt to a 7pm BST kick-off time on Sunday, due to thunderstorms in Mexico City.
The game, which will be played at the Azteca Stadium, was initially scheduled to start 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday).
Latin America broadcaster Claro Sports reports that due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and rain in the area, the match has been moved to an earlier time.
Andres Vaca, a commentator for Mexico’s official World Cup broadcaster TUDN, has also announced that the kick-off time for Mexico vs England has moved to the earlier time.
FIFA has yet to officially confirm the switch.
Former Liverpool F.C. manager Jürgen Klopp is set to become the new head coach of the Germany national football team after indicating his willingness to take over following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann.
The German Football Association confirmed on Friday that it has begun the process of appointing a new coach after parting ways with Nagelsmann in the aftermath of Germany’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The federation said discussions with Klopp would commence after he signalled his readiness in principle to accept the role.
In a statement, the DFB said it would now seek talks with Klopp regarding the vacant position following Nagelsmann’s departure.
Nagelsmann stepped down after Germany’s shock elimination by Paraguay in the Round of 32, bringing an end to his tenure as national team coach. The decision followed discussions with DFB officials after the team’s early World Cup exit.
Klopp has been out of frontline coaching since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after nearly nine years in charge, during which he guided the club to both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.
The 59-year-old is currently serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football. However, reports indicate that he has a verbal agreement that would allow him to leave the role should he accept the opportunity to coach Germany.
Two African nations make round of 16 at ongoing World Cup football fiesta
2026 World Cup: FIFA set to change kick-off time for England vs Mexico clash
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