Cape Verde continues to stun the football fans. In one of the most remarkable moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underdogs Cape Verde equalised against defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32, sending shockwaves through the tournament.
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Deroy Duarte struck in the second half to level the scores at 1-1 after Lionel Messi had given Argentina the lead in the first half. The goal came in what was Cape Verde's first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stage, turning the match at Hard Rock Stadium into a tense affair heading towards extra time.
Cape Verde creates record vs Argentina with Historic Equaliser in World Cup knockout debut
For a nation of just over 500,000 people, the achievement is extraordinary. Duarte's finish capped a spirited display from the Blue Sharks, who have defied expectations throughout the competition. Argentina, despite their star power, were forced to dig deep against determined opposition.
The result highlights the magic of the World Cup, where size and reputation do not always dictate outcomes. Fans worldwide celebrated the underdog story as Cape Verde continued their fairytale run. As of now, the underdogs have held the defending champions to a 2-2 draw in the second half of extra time.
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