Lionel Scaloni silences talk of easy draw after Argentina survive Cape Verde scare

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side were pushed to their limits after surviving a spirited Cape Verdean challenge to book their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. The defending champions needed extra time and an own goal to seal a dramatic 3-2 win, with Scaloni insisting the thriller proved there are no easy knockout games at the World Cup.

The reigning champions arrived as overwhelming favorites but were forced into a grueling battle by tournament debutants, who fought back twice before finally bowing in front of a packed crowd in Miami. Scaloni said after the match that the performance was the perfect response to suggestions that Argentina had enjoyed a favorable run into the knockout draw.

Argentina vs Cabo Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights

“That was for those who said we had an easy run in the draw. Sure, we deserved to win and go through, but it was an extremely difficult game. They finished the game absolutely hard. There are areas to improve, but they showed resilience,” Scaloni told reporters.

“The players are tired from extra time, too many minutes and some cramping. But when they play with heart, they can overcome anything. The team showed their character and worth today,” he added.

The Argentina coach admitted Cape Verde’s second equalizer made him fear the worst but praised his players for refusing to lose faith despite mounting pressure.

“I just wanted the game to end. You saw the amazing goal they scored. I’m always careful. I was calmer than I looked. Everyone thought it was going to be a walk in the park, but we knew it wasn’t going to be like that. The best thing about this team is that it keeps going, going on, going on. The guys keep attacking with their hearts on the boots. I think we’re used to the pitch, not the way we’re on the pitch used to. all of them.”

HOW ARGENTINA SURVIVED THE CAPE VERDE TERROR

Argentina looked to be cruising when Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the tournament, finishing superbly after curling in Lisandro Martinez’s pass.

However, the Cape Verdeans refused to accept their fate. Deroy Duarte reached World Cup debutant level just before the hour before Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s advantage with a stunning strike early in extra time. Even then, the drama was just beginning.

Sidny Lopes Cabral provided one of the goals of the tournament, curling a superb save into the top corner to make it 2-2 and leave the reigning champions staring at a possible penalty shootout.

This game, this goal, everything in this scenario is already history, my friends!

Sindey Cabral, you are amazing!

Cape Verde I love you! pic.twitter.com/W9pCbQCKeg— Rafa Guimaraes | pixedoc.com.br (@MrMelows) July 4, 2026

Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough six minutes into the second period of extra time. Messi’s corner was met by Cristian Romero, deflected by Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and into the net for the decisive own goal.

There was still time for one last scare as Lopes Cabral again almost forced a penalty with a superb late free-kick, but Emiliano Martinez pulled off an excellent save.

For Scaloni, however, the grueling victory provided a lesson that went beyond the score.

“What does it mean to be Argentinian? To suffer. Cape Verde gave 200 percent and in football it evens things out. The fans are the first to understand that this is Argentina and nothing is easy for us. There is something special about this shirt. We will keep moving forward and there is no way we won’t come out stronger.”

Argentina now progress to the last 16 with Egypt, but after Cape Verde’s fearless display, Scaloni knows the world champions can no longer expect straightforward nights at this World Cup.

Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

04 Jul 2026 08:03 IST