Argentina Into Last 16 With Dramatic Extra-Time Win Over Cape Verde

MIAMI, July 4 (NNN-dpa) -- World champions Argentina made it to the last 16 of the World Cup with a dramatic 3-2 win after extra-time against debutants Cape Verde on Friday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Cape Verde fans burst into tears when Deroy Duarte's goal in the 59th minute cancelled out Lionel Messi's first-half opener.

Goalkeeper Vozinha also made superb saves to hold on to the draw, denying Messi a winner three times.

Argentina immediately got down to business and needed only two minutes into extra-time to retake the lead, with Lisandro Martinez smashing the ball into the roof of the net from a corner.

The title holders were again stunned when Sidney Lopes Cabral whipped a stunning curling strike on the left to equalize in the 103rd.

But it was Diney Borges who sealed the fate of Argentina in the 111th as he deflected Christian Romero's header into his own goal.

Cape Verde couldn't hit back this time, despite their heroic efforts.

Argentina will now face Egypt, who earlier beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

--NNN-dpa