World Cup: Argentina Survive Cape Verde, Egypt, Colombia Enter Last 16, Ghana Out

Defending champions Argentina needed a dramatic 111th-minute own goal to avoid one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a gripping last-32 clash in Miami.

Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead in the 29th minute with his 20th World Cup goal, controlling a long pass before finishing emphatically. Cape Verde refused to be intimidated and drew level through Deroy Duarte after the break.

Argentina looked to have regained control when Lisandro Martinez struck just two minutes into extra time, but Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament with a sensational curling effort into the top corner to make it 2-2. Cabral nearly gave Cape Verde the lead later on, only for Emiliano Martinez to make a brilliant save.

With the tie heading towards a shootout, Diney Borges turned the ball into his own net in the 111th minute, breaking Cape Verde hearts and sending Argentina into the last 16 after an unforgettable encounter.

Egypt also booked their place in the next round after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Dallas.

Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs an early lead with his second goal of the tournament before Australia equalised through Mohamed Hany’s own goal, the defender becoming only the second player to score two own goals in a single World Cup. The strike also produced the tournament’s 13th own goal, surpassing the previous record of 12 set in 2018.

Neither side could find a winner in extra time, although Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach made a superb save to deny Ramy Rabia late on. Australia introduced veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan for the shootout, but Egypt converted all four of their penalties.

Mohamed Salah calmly chipped in a Panenka before Hossam Abdelmaguid sealed Egypt’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory. Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed for Australia.

Colombia completed the day’s action with a deserved 1-0 victory over Ghana in Kansas City to set up a last-16 meeting with Switzerland.

Jhon Arias scored the only goal after 14 minutes, meeting Luis Suarez’s cross with a composed finish at the far post. Colombia dominated throughout but were repeatedly denied by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Zigi, who produced several outstanding saves to keep the score respectable.

Ghana struggled to threaten, failing to register a shot on target as their World Cup campaign came to an end. Colombia, meanwhile, advanced in confident fashion and will face Switzerland in the round of 16.