The round of 32 wrapped up on Friday with a five-goal classic in Miami, penalty drama in Texas and the last-16 field finally complete.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET)
The holders are through, but only after the fright of the tournament. Cape Verde, a nation of just over 500,000 people, twice pegged Argentina back at the Hard Rock Stadium and came within touching distance of the greatest upset in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi’s superb opener on 29 minutes suggested routine, but Deroy Duarte levelled just before the hour and the African qualifiers held on to force extra time. Lisandro Martinez restored the lead in the 92nd minute, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to curl in a magnificent second equaliser.
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It took a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute, forced by Cristian Romero, to finally break the resistance. Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted defeat “would have been madness” as Argentina’s pursuit of the first back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1962 continues against Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Egypt 1-1 Australia (4-2 on penalties)
History for the Pharaohs, who won a World Cup knockout match for the first time. Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick in Arlington after Australia coach Tony Popovic’s gamble of sending on veteran keeper Maty Ryan for the shootout backfired.
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Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington both blazed over for the Socceroos. Egypt’s win was a rare bright spot for Africa after South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Algeria all fell in the last 32.
Colombia 1-0 Ghana
Jhon Arias steered home Luis Suarez’s 14th-minute cross and Colombia dominated a Ghana side that failed to muster a shot on target. Switzerland await in Vancouver, with Argentina looming in the quarters.
– AFP
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