The Hand of Diney Borges

 87/104ths of the World Cup

 

 

Argentina entered their 91st World Cup match against the minnows of Cape Verde. The African participants have been a joy especially since they are competing at their first World Cup since gaining independence from Portugal. Their first possible tournament would have been 1978, but they could not make the leap and play like the Blue Sharks until 2026. Facing the defending champions of Argentina, they made their presence known. Lionel Messi's 29th minute goal seemed to set the direction of the this match's plot. Deroy Duarte would make the match nervy once he drew the score 1-1 in the 59th minute. The sides would battle back and forth but fail to find a decisive goal after 90 minutes. Extra time would start in Argentina's favor as 2 minutes in and Lisandro Martinez would score a go ahead goal to lead 2-1. Sidney Lopes Cabral would strike just before the first 15 minutes were up and draw the Champions at 2-2 in the 103rd minute. Heartbreak would come in the 111th minute. A Lionel Messi corner kick would find the head of Cristian Romero who would deflect the ball down and see it bounce off the outstretched hand of Diney Borges to beat Cape Verde's Vizinho and put Argentina ahead 3-2. Cape Verde would press for the final 9 minutes plus stoppage time, but the clock would run out on their battle with Argentina, and their entry into the World Cup. Cape Verde have made fans all across the world, and have the task of trying to build on their tremendous performance. Argentina move on to the Round of 16 where Egypt and Mohamed Salah await them.