‘Remember the name Cape Verde’: Ashwin praises FIFA World Cup debutants | Football news

Messi kicks the ball in the match between Argentina and Cape Verde (agency photo)

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered him with praise FIFA World Cup debutants Cabo Verde after an outstanding campaign ended with a narrow 3-2 extra time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16.Although the African nation bowed out of the tournament, their performances during the competition drew admiration from fans and pundits alike. Cabo 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 stages in their first FIFA World Cup appearance.Their dream almost continued against Lionel Messiis Argentina. Cabo Verde hit back twice to equalize and force the reigning champions into extra time before Diney Borges’ unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute proved to be the difference.Impressed by the team’s fearless performances, Ashwin he went to X to applaud Cabo Verde and urged the fans to remember the names of the tournament’s debutants.

“Whatever happens from now on. Remember the name “CAPE VERDE”. What a team they are and what a performance they have put up so far in this World Cup. #FIFAworldcup,” the Indian cricket legend posted.Cabo Verde started confidently against Argentina and threatened early through Ryan Mendes before Messi produced a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock in the 29th minute. The Argentina captain controlled Lisandro Martinez’s diagonal pass before slotting into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the tournament.The underdogs responded strongly after the break. Deroy Duarte finished clinically from a tight angle after being played through by Mendes, becoming the first Cabo Verdean player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout game.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 scored a great 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 found Cristian Romero from a corner, who headed Diney Borges into the net for the winning goal. Cabo Verde came close to taking a penalty in the closing stages, only for Emiliano Martinez to make a crucial save after Lopes Cabral’s powerful free kick.Argentina are now through to the round of 16, where they will face 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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