Argentina survive Cape Verde in dramatic extra‑time win
Defending champions Argentina escaped a major upset, beating Cape Verde 3‑2 after extra time in a gripping last‑32 clash in Miami. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his 20th World Cup goal, finishing a long pass with authority.
Cape Verde responded after the break, with Deroy Duarte equalising. Argentina appeared to retake the lead when Lisandro Martinez scored early in extra time, but Sidny Lopes Cabral struck a sensational curling effort into the top corner to level the match at 2‑2.
With the game heading for a shootout, Diney Borges turned the ball into his own net in the 111th minute, handing Argentina a 3‑2 victory and sending Cape Verde home heartbroken.
Egypt edge Australia on penalties
Egypt also booked a place in the last 16 after a 1‑1 draw with Australia in Dallas, prevailing 4‑2 on penalties. Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs an early lead before Australia levelled through an own goal by Mohamed Hany, marking his second own goal of the tournament and the competition’s 13th overall.
Neither side found a winner in extra time, although Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach made a superb save to deny Ramy Rabia. Veteran keeper Mat Ryan was introduced for the shootout, but Egypt converted all four of their spot‑kicks, with Mohamed Salah calmly chipping a Panenka and Hossam Abdelmaguid sealing the win.
Colombia defeat Ghana to set up Switzerland clash
Colombia completed the day’s action with a deserved 1‑0 victory over Ghana in Kansas City. Jhon Arias scored the only goal after 14 minutes, meeting Luis Suárez’s cross with a composed finish at the far post.
Although Colombia dominated, Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Zigi produced several outstanding saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Ghana failed to register a shot on target, ending their World Cup campaign. Colombia will now face Switzerland in the round of 16.
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