Cape Verde dared to dream as Argentina survive in World Cup classic

The beautiful game provided a beautiful team at this World Cup. And a beautiful story, too, as Cape Verde's improbable journey finally ended at the hands of the defending champions Argentina. But not without a few twists and turns in a gripping 3-2 win after extra-time for the Albiceleste. 

It all started as the script intended: Lionel Messi's majestic touch and a ruthless finish. Seven goals at this World Cup, an eighth successive game with a goal in the tournament and "total control," as Ian Wright described it. 

Yet Cape Verde dared to dream and Argentina drifted, enter: Deroy Duarte. A driven finish ripped the script up and the champions failed to respond in normal time. The African minnows could almost touch a place in the last 16. Lisandro Martinez's crunching near-post finish in extra-time appeared to bring everyone crashing back down to earth, yet this astonishing journey had one more seismic twist. Sidny Lopes Cabral, the Cape Verde left-back took a touch with his left, and another to drag to the ball inside, then instinct took over. It had to be that because there was no logic to swinging with his wrong foot, from that distance, from that angle and against that goalkeeper, Emi Martinez. Yet the ball exploded off his right boot, curling viciously into the top right corner in what Gary Neville described as "special." His celebration in the stands were reminiscent of a champion at Wimbledon. Penalties were within reach, yet Diney Borges, via Cristian Romero, cruelly dashed hopes of the greatest upset by putting into his own net and beating the inspirational Vozinha. 3-2 and the greatest validation of the expanded 48-team tournament yet in a game that will never be forgotten. 

From the sublime to a farce, as Fifa's vision to shift the schedule on Sunday with the kick-off time for Mexico v England debated furiously for just over five hours. 

Initial reports broke around midday local time in Mexico City, with an initial plan to bring back Sunday's initial 6pm local kick-off time (1am BST). An alternative at 12pm local time (7pm BST) slot was proposed, one which Mexico boss Javier Aguirre was furious with, while Neville vented at the way Fifa considered a change at such short notice. 

Brazil v Norway, initially set to precede Mexico v England, was also up for debate, and could have moved from its 9pm ET kick-off time, given that extra-time at the Azteca would see an overlap between the games and present a nightmare for fans and broadcasters. 

The Independent has learned that the Mexican and English football associations were upset at the lack of notice and consideration behind the change, which quickly saw the plan unravel, with Fifa reverting back to the initial plan: 6pm local time (1am BST) for this colossal clash at altitude. 

Luke Baker | Deputy Sports Editor

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