Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showered praise on FIFA World Cup debutants Cabo Verde after their remarkable campaign came to an end with a narrow 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.Although the African nation bowed out of the tournament, their performances throughout the competition earned admiration from fans and experts alike. Cabo Verde announced themselves on the world stage by holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw before securing draws against Saudi Arabia and former world champions Uruguay to reach the knockout phase in their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance.Their dream run almost continued against Lionel Messi‘s Argentina. Cabo Verde twice fought back to level the scores and forced the reigning champions into extra time before an unfortunate own goal from Diney Borges in the 111th minute proved to be the difference.Impressed by the team’s fearless performances, Ashwin took to X to applaud Cabo Verde and urged fans to remember the name of the tournament debutants.
“Whatever happens from here on in. Remember the name “CAPE VERDE” What a team and what a show they have put on so far this World Cup. #FIFAworldcup,” posted the Indian cricket legend.Cabo Verde made a confident start against Argentina and threatened early through Ryan Mendes before Messi produced a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock in the 29th minute. The Argentine captain controlled a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez before blasting his finish into the roof of the net to register his seventh goal of the tournament.The underdogs responded strongly after the interval. Deroy Duarte finished clinically from a tight angle after being played through by Mendes, becoming the first Cabo Verde player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.Argentina regained the lead at the start of extra time when Lisandro Martinez scored from close range following a corner, but Cabo Verde refused to surrender. Sidny Lopes Cabral curled home a superb equaliser in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2 and keep their hopes alive.The decisive blow came in the 111th minute when Messi’s corner found Cristian Romero, whose header deflected off Diney Borges and into the net for the winning goal. Cabo Verde came close to forcing a penalty shootout in the closing stages, only for Emiliano Martinez to produce a crucial save from Lopes Cabral’s powerful free-kick.Argentina have now advanced to the Round of 16, where they will take on Egypt, while Cabo Verde leave the tournament with their reputation greatly enhanced after one of the most memorable debut campaigns in FIFA World Cup history.
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