An all-time great World Cup goal – Watch Sidny Cabral’s ‘unbelievable’ strike against Argentina in thrilling last-32 game
‘We’ll be ready’ – Rogers unfazed by England-Mexico kick-off change
Video credit: SNTV
It had already been a World Cup debut to remember for minnows Cabo Verde, with a population of around 529,000 people, after they qualified from a group containing European champions Spain and South American heavyweights Uruguay.And they went out in style after an incredible contest against Argentina.The holders took the lead with Lionel Messi’s seventh goal of the tournament, a fine effort that put him top of the Golden Boot standings.
However, Deroy Duarte equalised for Cabo Verde in the second half and goalkeeper Vozinha added to his heroics throughout the tournament to deny Messi a one-on-one chance and then from a free-kick.
It looked like Argentina were on their way to victory again when Lisandro Martinez fired home early in extra-time, but a moment of brilliance from Cabral made it 2-2.
The full-back, who plays for Turkish side Trabzonspor, got the ball on the left side of the box, cut inside on his right foot and curled an incredible shot into the far corner beyond the reach of Emi Martinez.
The goal sparked wild celebrations as Cabral was mobbed by his team-mates and then ran into the stands to celebrate further with supporters.
”What a goal, oh wow,” said Ally McCoist on ITV commentary.
”That was different class.”
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright was left stunned by the effort.
”We are seeing unbelievable scenes, scenes we are not meant to be seeing,” said Wright on ITV.
”When it went to 2-1 we all thought that was probably it…what they are doing is unbelievable.”
Cabo Verde’s heroics eventually ended in defeat as a deflected Cristian Romeo header gave Argentina a 3-2 victory.
But Cabo Verde’s remarkable campaign will live long in the memory and Cabral’s goal will be remembered as one of the best in tournament history.
Argentina play Egypt in the last 16 after they beat Australia on penalties.
Mohamed Salah scored a Panenka penalty in the shoot-out as Egypt won a knockout match for the first time in their history.
”If somebody was going to do it, it would be me,” said Salah about his bold choice of penalty.
”I am more experienced than others, and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided [in the] last minute, I don’t know if it’s my last World Cup or not, but I had to do it.”
– – –
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max
