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Argentina survive huge scare against Cape Verde as Messi makes it 8 in a row
Where this was said
Cape Verde vs Argentina — A World Cup Classic Relived
At 9:00 · chapter starts 4:08
Argentina scraped through 3-2 after extra time, but the story belonged to Cape Verde — a nation that was never beaten inside 90 minutes by Spain, Uruguay, or the defending champions Argentina during the entire group stage [1] — Alan Shearer "Cape Verde drew with both Spain & Argentina: Cape Verde were not beaten in 90 minutes by either Spain or Argentina — or Uruguay — during th…" 08:57 . The panel, including special guest Christopher Eccleston, all admit to feeling conflicted: they instinctively wanted to back the underdog, but couldn't bear to see Messi exit his last World Cup. Eccleston captures the tension brilliantly — 'I feel like I betrayed the underdog.' Reporter Alex joins from Queens, New York, painting a vivid picture of Argentine fans paralysed by anxiety, praying and watching in silence through the drama. The panel also celebrate Cabral's stunning goal, with Joe Cole predicting the referee's decision to let the celebration run will be fondly remembered for years. On the bigger picture, Micah Richards argues persuasively that Cape Verde's run — combined with the format's surprises — has vindicated the 48-team expansion the pundits themselves initially mocked. [2] — Micah Richards "The expanded 48-team World Cup was greeted with scepticism, but Cape Verde's run has vindicated it. Micah Richards argues that improved tac…" 08:15 The gap between the biggest and smallest nations is closing, and this match proved it.
Argentina scraped through 3-2 after extra time against a Cape Verde side that equalised twice and went close again even at 3-2. Not one team in this tournament beat Cape Verde inside 90 minutes — not Spain, not Uruguay, not Argentina.
The panel's most unusual guest, Christopher Eccleston, uses his working-class background and lifelong love of football to connect immediately. His observations — from undermining the underdog myth to recommending Declan Rice at right-back — add genuine freshness to a punditry format.
Cabral's stunning strike and his sprint into the stands — searching for his partner — was one of the pure moments of this World Cup. Joe Cole notes the referee's decision to let the moment breathe. That goal, and Vosinha's saves, have changed two lives forever.
The expanded 48-team World Cup was greeted with scepticism, but Cape Verde's run has vindicated it. Micah Richards argues that improved tactics, discipline in the low block, and physical conditioning mean the gap between football's giants and minnows is genuinely narrowing.
Cape Verde were not beaten in 90 minutes by either Spain or Argentina — or Uruguay — during the 2026 World Cup group stage.
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, the expanded format which initially drew criticism but has showcased the quality of smaller nations.
