“Remember the name Cape Verde”: Ashwin praises the debutants in the FIFA World Cup | Football news

Messi shoots the ball during the match between Argentina and Cape Verde (Agency Image)

India’s ex-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin he praised FIFA World Cup Debutants Cape 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 dropped out of the tournament, their performances throughout the competition earned them the admiration of fans and pundits alike. Cape 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 stage in their first FIFA World Cup appearance.His dream run almost continued against Lionel MessiArgentina. Cape Verde twice fought back to level the scores and force the reigning champions into extra time before an unlucky Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute proved the difference.Impressed by the team’s fearless performances, Ashwin He took to X to applaud Cabo Verde and urged the fans to remember the names of the debutants of the tournament.

“What happens from here on. Remember the name ‘CAPE VERDE’ What a team and what a performance they have put up so far in this World Cup. #FIFAworldcup,” the Indian cricket legend posted.Cape Verde made a confident start against Argentina and threatened early on through Ryan Mendes before Messi produced a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock in the 29th minute. The Argentina captain controlled a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez before curling 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 in by Mendes, becoming the first Cabo Verdean 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 equalizer 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. Cape Verde came close to forcing a penalty 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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