‘Remember Cape Verde’s name’: Ashwin praises FIFA World Cup debutants

Messi shoots the ball during the match between Argentina and Cape Verde (Agency Image) Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on World Cup debutants Cabo Verde after their remarkable campaign ended with a narrow 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the round of 32.Although the African nation bowed out of the tournament, their performances during the competition earned the admiration of fans and experts alike. Cabo Verde announced themselves on the world stage by holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw before securing draws against Saudi Arabia and former world champions Uruguay to reach the knockout stage in their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup.Their dream run almost continued against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Cabo Verde twice fought back to equalize and force the reigning champions into extra time, before Diney Borges’ unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute proved to be the difference.Impressed by the team’s fearless performances, Ashwin took to the X to applaud Cabo Verde and urged the fans to remember the names of the tournament’s debutants.“Whatever happens from here. Remember the name “KAPAVERDY” What a team and what a show they have put up in this World Cup so far. #FIFAworldcup,” the Indian cricket legend wrote.Cabo Verde started confidently against Argentina and threatened early on through Ryan Mendes before Messi produced a moment of brilliance in the 29th minute to break the deadlock. The Argentina captain controlled a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez before netting his seventh goal of the tournament.The underdogs responded strongly after the break. Deroy Duarte finished clinically from a tight angle after being played through by Mendes to become the first Cabo Verde player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.Argentina took the lead early in extra time when Lisandro Martinez scored from a close range corner, but Cabo Verde refused to give up. Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a great equalizer in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2 and keep their hopes alive.The decisive blow came in the 111th minute when Messi’s corner found Cristiano Romero, whose header was deflected by Diney Borges and into the net for the winning goal. Cabo Verde came close to forcing a penalty shootout in the closing stages, but Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save from Lopes Cabral’s powerful free-kick.Argentina are now through to the round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cabo Verde leave the tournament with their reputation greatly enhanced after one of the most memorable debut campaigns in FIFA World Cup history.