David vs Goliath: Cape Verde drag Argentina to World Cup extra-time, losing 3-2 but winning hearts

Cape Verde have become the smallest country to appear in the football World Cup knockout stage. (Photo/AP)

A fearless Cape Verde refused to give up on their fairytale run at a first ever World Cup as they took Lionel Messi's Argentina to extra-time before finally losing the game 3-2.

An own goal from Diney Borges under pressure from Argentina's Cristian Romero in the 111th minute settled the match in Miami and reigning champions Argentina move on to face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Captain Lionel Messi had opened the scoring when he latched on to a long ball in behind the defence from Lisandro Martinez.

Deroy Duarte equalised in the 59th minute with a low shot as Cape Verde forced extra time.

Lisandro Martinez then made it 2-1 from a corner in the first half of extra time.

Sidny Cabral scored Cape Verde's second equaliser with a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box in the 103rd minute.

It was ultimately Cristian Romero's header from Messi's corner in the 111th minute that was deflected in off Diney Borges for an own goal to give Argentina the win.

Great respect

Although top-ranked Argentina won the match, Cape Verde, ranked 64, won the hearts of millions.

Cape Verde were beaten but far from outclassed by the three-times world champions as they put in a fourth magnificent display of teamwork and grit at their first World Cup.

Amid Argentine joy and Cape Verdean heartbreak, Argentina's players showed great respect towards Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha — who saved several goals — and his teammates with several sporting gestures.

Vozinha’s nearly 18 million Instagram followers will have enjoyed him winning a one-on-one battle with Messi when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner seemed certain to restore Argentina's lead.

Cape Verde served warning of what they were capable of by holding European champions Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in Group H to reach the knockout stages in their first World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks coach Bubista said the meeting with Messi and the world champions would be "the game of our lives" and it showed in a spirited display that had Argentina sweating for over 120 minutes.

They succeeded in giving a big scare to Argentina, while showing no shortage of quality of their own, for much of the game with a never-say-die desperation and a neat pass-and-move game.

Cape Verde held on to force the dramatic period of extra time and they will now return home heroes having put their tiny island-nation firmly on the footballing map.

Source: TRT