Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to reach last 16

Argentina secured a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Cape Verde in the group stage, advancing to the last 16 after a late, deflected header from Cristian Romero in extra time. The match, held at the Estadio Nacional, saw both sides exchange chances early on, but the Argentine side struggled to convert their opportunities until the final minutes. Romero’s header, which ricocheted off the crossbar, proved decisive, giving Argentina the edge they needed to move forward in the tournament.

The win comes after a tense 90 minutes that ended in a 2‑2 draw, prompting a 30‑minute extra‑time period. Argentina’s defensive organization held firm, while Cape Verde managed to level the score twice, keeping the match within reach until the stoppage-time goal. The result places Argentina in a favorable position for the knockout phase, where they will face a higher‑seeded opponent in the round of 16.

With the victory, Argentina’s campaign gains momentum, and the team will now prepare for the next round of the competition. The win underscores their resilience and ability to secure crucial points in high‑pressure situations.