Argentina snatched a dramatic win over valiant Cape Verde as a Diney own goal from Cristian Romero’s header deep into extra time handed the reigning champions a 3-2 win in an instant World Cup classic.
Lionel Messi had extended his fine form by scoring in an eighth successive World Cup game to break the deadlock in the first half but the minnows refused to accept defeat.
Deroy Duarte’s driven effort brought the African side level to force extra time before Lisandro Martinez’s delightful, curled finish at the near post looked to move the world champions into the last 16.
A thunderous strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral replied for Cape Verde to make it 2-2 and spark wild scenes of celebrations but Romero rose highest to flick home Messi’s 111th-minute corner off the arm of Diney to put the world champions through after the hugest of scares
Relive all the action in our live blog below:
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Argentina vs Cape Verde LIVE
- Minnows Cape Verde lose 3-2 in extra time to Argentina in a World Cup classic
- Argentina snatch thrilling win and will face Egypt in the round of 16 but Cape Verde the real heroes
- 111' GOAL! Romero heads home Messi corner to restore relieved world champions' lead [ARG 3-2 CPV]
- 103' GOAL! Lopes Cabral hammers in wondergoal to bring minnows level [ARG 2-2 CPV]
- 93' GOAL! Lisandro Martinez smashes home vital goal at start of extra time [ARG 2-1 CPV]
- 59' GOAL! Duarte stuns world champions with shock equaliser [ARG 1-1 CPV]
- 29' GOAL! Stunning touch and finish from Messi puts world champions ahead [ARG 1-0 CPV]
Cape Verde coach Bubista reacts to Argentina defeat
09:00 , Jack Rathborn"I'm proud of my team, the work they've put in," said their coach Bubista.
"We must take pride in what we've done for our country. To be able to play the way we did against the world champions, and to draw level twice, is something incredible."
"More than anything, we must be proud of what we've achieved.
"This World Cup has done justice to our efforts. It has shown our character. It's a shame to lose, but it was incredible."
Cape Verde fans watch on during World Cup clash with Argentina
08:30 , Jack Rathborn
Lionel Scaloni reacts to win over Cape Verde
08:00 , Jack Rathborn"The match was incredibly tough. You always have to take the positive, `and it's that this team never gives up," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
"I want to congratulate our opponents, today they showed they are a great team. When it is said there are no easy matches in the World Cup, it's true."
Rodrigo De Paul on sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi
07:30 , Jack Rathborn“For me, it represents a lot to be friends with him,” said Rodrigo De Paul. “For me, friendship is one of the most important things that we all have and I consider myself fortunate to be there, to share these moments with him.”
Argentina fans celebrate win over Cape Verde
07:00 , Jack Rathborn
Messi leads golden boot race again
06:30 , Alan SmithHere is where they all stand after another night of drama
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Mbappe, Messi, Haaland, Kane top standings in race
Yet more Messi history
06:00 , Alan Smith12 - With the opening goal against Cabo Verde, Lionel Messi has 12 goal contributions in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup (6 goals, 6 assists), surpassing Pelé and Kylian Mbappé (11 each) for the most since 1966.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2026
Vital. pic.twitter.com/mH2tTuaz1S
The great survivors
05:30 , Alan Smith10 - Argentina have emerged as winners (including penalty shoot-outs) in 10 of their 12 extra-time matches at the FIFA World Cup (4 outright wins, 6 penalty shoot-out wins).
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 4, 2026
Survivors. pic.twitter.com/G5nnw6OlX2
More Messi history
05:00 , Alan Smith7 - Lionel #Messi è diventato il primo giocatore nella storia della Coppa del Mondo FIFA a segnare sette o più gol in due diverse edizioni del torneo (2022 e 2026). Taumaturgico.#ArgentinaCapoVerde pic.twitter.com/Pf5Nvk4XrS
Up next
04:30 , Alan SmithArgentina will now prepare to meet Egypt in Atlanta at 5pm BST Tuesday. That’s not very long to recover from such an exhausting encounter - although Egypt had to go the distance to beat Australia earlier on.
The Mat Ryan gamble that failed spectacularly as Egypt beat Australia on penalties
How the bracket is shaping up
04:00 , Alan SmithThe last-16 is set.
World Cup 2026: Last-16 fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
The game in data
03:30 , Alan Smith🇦🇷 Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde 🇨🇻 (aet)
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 4, 2026
10-part docuseries on a 120-minute match forthcoming. pic.twitter.com/p6v46ffG2Z
Mexico v England kick-off farce latest
03:00 , Alan SmithEngland’s game against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning will now remain at its original kick-off time.
England v Mexico kick-off time at World Cup to stay the same after chaotic few hours
Cape Verde’s Sidny Cabral celebrates in crowd after scoring screamer against Argentina
02:38 , Jack RathbornSidny Cabral scored arguably the goal of the tournament and celebrated by jumping into the crowd as tiny Cape Verde threatened to produce one of biggest ever World Cup upsets against Argentina.
With his side trailing 2-1 in extra time, Cabral cut past Alexis Mac Allister into the box before bending spectacularly into the top-right corner, curling around the body of Nahuel Molina as Cape Verde pegged back the holders for the second time of their last-32 clash.
Wild celebrations erupted inside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with 23-year-old Cabral - who plays for Turkish side Trabzonspor - leaping into the stands to celebrate amongst the Cape Verde fans, among which were presumably his friends and family.
Cape Verde’s Cabral celebrates in crowd after scoring screamer against Argentina
Cabral's stunner - and amazing celebration
02:00 , Will CastleSidny Cabral scored arguably the goal of the tournament and celebrated by jumping into the crowd as tiny Cape Verde threatened to produce one of biggest ever World Cup upsets against Argentina.
With his side trailing 2-1 in extra time, Cabral cut past Alexis Mac Allister into the box before bending spectacularly into the top-right corner, curling around the body of Nahuel Molina as Cape Verde pegged back the holders for the second time of their last-32 clash.
Wild celebrations erupted inside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with 23-year-old Cabral leaping into the stands to celebrate amongst the Cape Verde fans.
Cape Verde’s Cabral celebrates in crowd after scoring screamer against Argentina
01:48 , Alan SmithThe biggest justification imaginable for a 48-team World Cup.
Cape Verde did not sit back and look to frustrate. They gave it such a go, scoring two fantastic goals and almost humbling the reigning champions.
01:46 , Alan SmithEveryone appears exhausted. Argentina are barely able to celebrate. Cape Verde’s players are displaying both pride and sadness that their run has ended.
FULL-TIME! Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (aet)
01:45 , Alan SmithThe reigning champions are through.
But Cape Verde are the heroes from this match; the minnows who almost achieved the greatest upset of all.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:43 , Alan Smith122’ - Varela shoots wide from 25 yards. Emi Martinez pumps his fists. There is still a minute to go.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:42 , Alan Smith120’ - Varela’s shot from range is blocked for a corner. Yannick Semedo picks out Montero and he has a tasty shot but it’s blocked.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:41 , Alan Smith120 - There will be three added minutes.
Romero’s goal is now going down as a Borges OG.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:40 , Alan Smith119’ - Benchimol within a whisker! The Cape Verde sub is so so close to scoring but Martinez gets in his way, conceding a corner. From it Livramento thinks he has a glorious chance - only to sky it and also be flagged offside.
Time is running out...
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:39 , Alan Smith118’ - After a delay for Tagliafico to have a blooded nose stemmed, Yannick Semedo’s corner is cleared. Tagliafico did not spend the mandated minute off the pitch.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:37 , Alan Smith117’ - Lopes Cabral tries his luck from a difficult angle and he makes Emi Martinez work hard to save, the goalkeeper turning the ball over his bar for a corner.
Cape Verde’s second goalscorer then immediately does down with a bad cramp.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:36 , Alan Smith115’ - Montiel is booked for hacking down Varela just outside the box on Argentina’s right. Can Cape Verde find one more quality set piece?
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:35 , Alan Smith115’ - Three Argentina players are down with cramp: Gonzalez, Lisandro Martinez and Mac Allister.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
01:34 , Alan Smith114’ - Gonzalez is down injured and Argentina want the match to stop but Cape Verde, as is their right, continue to play. It’s not a head injury.
GOAL! Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (Romero 111)
01:33 , Alan SmithArgentina are ahead again. Messi swings the corner in and Romero rises to head it goalwards. It takes a big deflection off the hand of Borges en route and Scaloni wipes his brow, still in a state of shock that his team have ended up in this position.
Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde
01:32 , Alan Smith111’ - Gonzalez weaves his way into the box. Borges does well to come across and intercept for a corner.
Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde
01:28 , Alan Smith108’ - Messi floats in a deep free kick. It’s nodded away.
IN PICTURES: Lopes Cabral's incredible equaliser
01:26 , Luke BakerWhat a moment...
Restarted! Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde
01:26 , Alan SmithWho blinks next?
Half-time in extra-time! Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde
01:23 , Alan SmithLet’s watch that leveller back again. And again.
Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde
01:22 , Alan Smith108’ - Molina was replaced by Montiel just after the equaliser while Lopes Cabral was in the crowd finding his people.
Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde
01:21 , Alan Smith105’ - There will be three added minutes.
Now Messi has a shot stopped by Vozinha.
Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde
01:20 , Alan Smith104’ - Lopes Cabral dances in from the right, past a limp Mac Allister challenge, and sees a small gap in the top right corner. He eyes his spot and whips an utterly remarkable shot past Emi Martinez and in for the leveller.
He then, perhaps in a daze, jumps into the stand and tries to find his loved ones, refusing to go back on the pitch until he embraces them.
GOAL! Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde (Lopes Cabral 103)
01:18 , Alan SmithWhat a hit! What a moment! And what a bizarre celebration! We have just witnessed one of the great World Cup moments no matter what happens from here.
Argentina 2-1 Cape Verde
01:15 , Alan Smith100’ - Cape Verde’s final changes.
Deroy Duarte and Lenini are off. Benchimol and Yannick Semedo are on.
Argentina 2-1 Cape Verde
01:13 , Alan Smith98’ - Messi and Alvarez link up nicely in the box and both have shots blocked, the latter’s leading to a corner kick. If Alvarez was fully fit you get the sense that Argentina would be a far more fearsome prospect than this.
Argentina 2-1 Cape Verde
01:11 , Alan Smith96’ - Lopes Cabral wins a corner via Mac Allister and takes the set piece himself. An outswinger is headed away for another by Gonzalez. After some pinball that sees Borges go down clutching his face following an accidental collision Martinez gives away a third.
This one is finally cleared.
Argentina 2-1 Cape Verde
01:10 , Alan Smith95’ - Now Cape Verde must simply go for it. Their journey to this point has been so improbable that you can’t rule out another minor miracle.
GOAL! Argentina 2-1 Cape Verde (Li Martinez, 92)
01:08 , Alan SmithMessi’s corner is nodded on by Mac Allister. It floats above a cluster of players and Martinez meets it unmarked at the back stick. He then smashes high past Vozinha.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
01:07 , Alan Smith92’ - Molina whips in a cross - a relative rarity for Argentina compared to many other teams we’ve seen over the past three weeks - and Lopes unconvincingly puts it out for a corner.
Extra-time underway! Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
01:05 , Alan Smith91 ‘ - For a fifth time from 15 knockouts so far, we’re into extra time.
Extra-time! Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:59 , Alan Smith98’ - We’re going to extra time.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:57 , Alan Smith95’ - Messi beats the wall with a deflection off Lopes Cabral and it bounces awkwardly in front of Vozinha. The goalkeeper parries it but Cape Verde maintain parity as the seconds tick away.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:55 , Alan Smith94’ - Messi tries to go it alone now, weaving inwards until Borges trips him about 22 yards out. The TV cameras switch to Beckham in the stands - this was his prime real estate.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:53 , Alan Smith92’ - Vozinha makes an easy stop from Paredes and then plays keepy-uppy in the box for a little bit. A remarkable flex.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:52 , Alan Smith91’ - Messi has now dropped deep to take up the quarter back role. They have sent a number of bodies into the box and the plan is for the star man to try and find them.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:51 , Alan Smith90’ - VAR is not interested and it would have been brutally harsh.
There will be eight added minutes.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:51 , Alan Smith89’ - Argentina want a penalty and the VAR is checking. It’s because of an alleged handball from Pico Lopes after Messi’s long pass was nodded on by Mac Allister. It hits the Irishman’s head and then falls on to his hand.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:48 , Alan Smith88’ - But it is cleared.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:48 , Alan Smith87’ - At last some urgency from Argentina. Mac Allister takes a shot that is deflected over for a corner. Messi will swing it in from the right.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:46 , Alan Smith86’ - Medina’s evening is over. He has done a muscle. Tagliafico is on for him. On the touchline Scaloni is growing more and more pensive.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:45 , Alan Smith84’ - Now Lenini does similar, cutting out a low cross from Gonzalez for a corner.
Paredes replaces De Paul.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:43 , Alan Smith81’ - Pico Lopes has almost put the ball in his own net having made a fantastic interception to cut out a deeply dangerous low cross from the right that Fernandez was destined to tap in. Instead it’s about a foot or so wide of his post and Argentina’s subsequent corner is cleared.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:41 , Alan Smith80’ - Two more change for Cape Verde, leaving them with one remaining.
Jovane Cabral and Mendes are coming off. Varela and Semedo are coming on.
IN PICTURES: Vozinha repeatedly denies Messi
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:39 , Luke BakerOne World Cup icon making multiple saves from another!
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:39 , Alan Smith78’ - Cape Verde have a free kick 40 yards out, won via foul committed by Mac Allister. Lenini scuffs it well wide.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:37 , Alan Smith76’ - We’re playing again. This can’t last. Can it?
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:34 , Alan Smith73’ - Another Vozinha save! Messi lofts this one towards the top right corner but Cape Verde’s goalkeeper reacts well and turns it around for a corner, which is then taken too deep.
And, finally, we’ll have the advertising break.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:33 , Alan Smith72’ - Messi wins another free kick. This one off Deroy Duarte and just outside the box. We’re yet to have the hydration break because Argentina spend so much time passing it about with such little impetus that nothing happens for long spells.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:30 , Alan Smith69’ - The wall is because Messi fails to get it up.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:29 , Alan Smith68’ - Lenini is booked for hauling Messi down from about 30 yards. Everyone thinks they know what is about to happen. Is any one able to stop it?
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:28 , Alan Smith68’ - Now for two Cape Verde changes. Jamiro Monteiro and Dailon Livramento have come on for Leroy Duarte and Da Costa.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:27 , Alan Smith66’ - Argentina are struggling along the fine line between patient and passive. Again, without Messi there is very, very little there and it is hard to imagine them competing with France should they meet again.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:24 , Alan Smith63’ - Vozinha denies Messi! The great man gets beyond the Cape Verde defence but he needs to shoot off his weaker right foot, chooses to go for the nutmeg but the goalkeeper saves. It’s a corner, but not until some substitutions.
Alvarez and Gonzalez are on for Almada and Lautaro Martinez.
Messi then takes the corner. Vozinha makes a comfortable collection.
Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:22 , Alan Smith60’ - It’s a double nutmeg goal. Mendes plays it between Medina’s legs with a low pass from the right for Duarte to control. And from a tight angle he then shoots through Lisandro Martinez and past Emi Martinez, who does not see it until late, for the leveller.
GOAL! Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde (D Duarte, 59)
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:20 , Alan SmithWow. Here they go again....
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:19 , Alan Smith58’ - Romero brings down Deroy Duarte near halfway. It’s a free kick. It could easily have been a yellow card.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:18 , Alan Smith57’ - The possession starts are not far off 50/50 so far in this second half and you’re increasingly left with the feeling that Argentina are not up to very much at all with the exception of having the greatest player of all time up front.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:16 , Alan Smith56’ - Vozinha launches clear when being pressed by Messi. Yes, that is correct.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:15 , Alan Smith53’ - And Martinez is called into action! Deroy Duarte arrives on the edge of the box to shoot but Aston Villa’s goalkeeper makes a routine save.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde.
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:10 , Alan Smith48’ - Cabral wins a corner off Molina. This is Cape Verde’s only real route to levelling. Lopes Cabral takes it. Argentina half clear to Cabral and his shot is deflected out for another which Lopes Cabral delivers again. And this time Argentina clear properly with Cabral and Borges colliding when trying to meet the cross.
Restarted! Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Saturday 4 July 2026 00:06 , Alan Smith46’ - We’re back underway.
First-half dominance
Friday 3 July 2026 23:55 , Alan Smith5 - Argentina is the first team in FIFA World Cup history to hold a lead at half-time of five straight knockout round matches.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2026
Advantage. pic.twitter.com/V44fUPF1Qe
Half-time! Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:50 , Alan Smith49’ - Four more minutes pass by without absolutely nothing happening.
One bit of Messi brilliance is the different at the interval.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:47 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be four added minutes.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:45 , Alan Smith45’ - Fernandez strikes firmly goalwards from the edge of the box. Vozinha parries it away.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:43 , Alan Smith42’ - Just another bit of Messi magic while the game slithers along at a snail’s pace.
12 - With the opening goal against Cabo Verde, Lionel Messi has 12 goal contributions in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup (6 goals, 6 assists), surpassing Pelé and Kylian Mbappé (11 each) for the most since 1966.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2026
Vital. pic.twitter.com/mH2tTuaz1S
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:40 , Alan Smith38’ - Cape Verde get forward down the right but Mendes’ cross is unable to find a teammate.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:36 , Alan Smith35’ - Messi has signalled a degree of frustration towards his teammates just now. Their build-up play is all a bit that episode of Fr. Ted in terms of speed. But when he can just switch it on with two touches such as for the goal, who really cares?
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:32 , Alan Smith32’ - Watching replays back, is that the goal of the tournament so far? It’s how he combined a first touch of silk followed by ruthless finishing.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:30 , Alan Smith29’ - It’s classic Messi. Lisandro Martinez pings a ball over the top, just landing beyond the retreating Borges. Messi kills it dead with his left boot before then firing high past Vozinha. That’s goal number 20 in the World Cup on his 30th appearance and he has scored in eight matches on the trot.
GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde (Messi, 29)
Friday 3 July 2026 23:29 , Alan SmithWithin a minute of the restart, the main man has scored again.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:28 , Alan Smith28’ - Back underway.
Diego Simeone is also in the posh seats, wearing the Argentina shirt.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:25 , Alan Smith25’ - Hydration break.
Cape Verde will be very, very happy. This is yet to get going.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:24 , Alan Smith25’ - Messi brings oohs and aahs with a slow dribble down the right. But he then gives the ball away with a pass forward.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:18 , Alan Smith18’ - Messi beats the wall and it loops towards the bottom left corner but Vozinha makes a straightforward save.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:18 , Alan Smith17’ - Sonny Cabral is harshly penalised for a challenge on Messi. He gets the ball first but the referee has awarded Argentina a soft free kick in a very dangerous position, 25 yards out.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:15 , Alan Smith16’ - The Beckhams are in the posh seats.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:15 , Alan Smith15’ - At last, some action! Almada cuts a ball back to Messi inside the box. He shimmies into some space but scuffs his shot across the face of goal and wide.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:14 , Alan Smith14’ - Nothing at all is happening. Cape Verde are structured and stable. Argentina are going sideways. And we’re still waiting for someone to take a risk.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:11 , Alan Smith10’ - This might be the most sedate start to a match all tournament. It’s even more prosaic than England 0-0 Ghana.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:08 , Alan Smith8’ - Both teams are feeling each other out a bit here, playing at walking pace. Cape Verde are sitting back, Argentina appear in no rush to break them down.
Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:03 , Alan Smith4’ - Cape Verde have had a reasonable amount of the ball early on. De Paul leaves on in on Lopes Cabral, giving away a free kick after the Cape Verdean had earlier collided with Molina but play was allowed to continue.
Kick-off! Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde
Friday 3 July 2026 23:00 , Alan Smith1’ - We’re underway, the minnows get us going kicking from right to left as we watch in dark blue. Argentina are in their normal primary strip.
Storm watch
Friday 3 July 2026 22:56 , Alan SmithA word of warning: storms have been forecast in the area. So far they have not broken but we can only hope for the best.
Almost time
Friday 3 July 2026 22:52 , Alan SmithThe teams are emerging from the tunnel, nerves are jangling and the most one-sided tie on paper is about to get going.
But, as always, a reminder that football is not played on paper.
Scaloni not surprised by Cape Verde's progress
Friday 3 July 2026 22:40 , Alan Smith“They’re a good team,” Argentina’s head coach says on American TV. “We’ve already watched them, not just because we are playing against them, but because we were analysing potential opponents and then they qualified. We are not surprised, to be honest. They are a good team, and they are not here by chance. We must respect them and that’s what we will do.”
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