Miami Gardens (USA), July 4 -- Argentina survived a monumental scare from FIFA World Cup debutants Cape Verde, battling to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in their Round of 32 clash on Saturday IST to keep their title defence alive and set up a last-16 meeting with Egypt.
The defending champions were stretched to the limit by the fearless Blue Sharks, who twice came from behind and came within minutes of forcing a penalty shootout in one of the most gripping matches of the tournament.
Lionel Messi handed Argentina the lead in the 29th minute with a clinical finish after the Albiceleste dominated the early exchanges. However, Cape Verde refused to be overawed and struck back in the 59th minute through Deroy Duarte, who capitalised on one...