Egypt, Argentina and Colombia through to the last 16. A heroic Cape Verde side exit the tournament ‘unbeaten’

With just a few minutes remaining, Australia’s head coach Tony Popovic substituted the first-choice goalkeeper Beach – who had been his side’s standout player up to that point – and brought on second-choice goalkeeper Ryan, who, on paper, is a specialist at saving penalties.

It’s a shame that Egypt were flawless from the spot, whilst the Socceroos missed two – one by Souttar (who had also come on specifically to take the penalty) and one by Herrington. The final nail in the coffin came courtesy of Mohamed Salah, who coolly converted the decisive penalty, sending the Egyptian fans into raptures.

The most spectacular match of the night – and one of the most thrilling of the World Cup – took place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Reigning world champions Argentina only managed to hold on after 120 minutes against an extraordinary Cape Verde side.

The Albiceleste dominated possession from the start and broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through the ever-reliable Lionel Messi, who controlled a through ball from Lisandro Martínez superbly inside the box and beat Vozinha with great finesse with a shot at the near post.

Cape Verde remain composed and continue to defend in an organised manner. The symbol of African resilience is veteran Vozinha, the 41-year-old goalkeeper who has made several decisive saves. In the 59th minute, the African side earned a well-deserved equaliser: a splendid move down the right was finished off by Deroy Duarte to make it 1–1.

In extra time, the match became a memorable affair. In the 92nd minute, Lisandro Martínez put Argentina back in front following a set-piece. But just when it seemed the South Americans had secured qualification, Cape Verde struck back once more. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning curling shot from the left-hand side of the penalty area that nestled into the top corner – or, as they used to say, ‘cleared the cobwebs from the net’ – to make it 2–2.

The decisive moment came in the 111th minute: Messi took a corner, there was a header in the crowded box, and Diney Borges unluckily deflected the ball into his own net. It was the own goal that decided the match and shattered the Africans’ dreams.

Lionel Messi, who scored the opening goal and provided the decisive assist from a corner, has once again proved himself to be the driving force behind the Albiceleste.

Cape Verde exit the World Cup without ever having lost in normal time. The Blue Sharks had already held Spain to a draw in the group stage. A historic run that makes this national team one of the tournament’s most delightful surprises. Vozinha was outstanding between the posts, and not just in this match. Keep an eye on Sidny Lopes Cabral, scorer of a magnificent goal and the Africans’ technical leader.

Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16, also in Miami.

Less spectacular but just as intense was the match between Colombia and Ghana at Kansas City Stadium, which was decided by a single incident after just a quarter of an hour.

After a tentative start, the winning goal came in the 14th minute. Luis Suárez played a perfect ball in from the right and Jhon Arias finished at the far post, beating the Ghanaian goalkeeper Ati Zigi.

Colombia dominated proceedings for long spells, whilst Ghana tried to capitalise on counter-attacks. Just before half-time, the South Americans came close to doubling their lead when Mojica’s header struck the post in the 45th minute.

In the second half, Néstor Lorenzo’s side continued to create the best chances. In the 56th minute, a goal by Luis Díaz was ruled out for offside, whilst in the 58th minute the same striker squandered an excellent opportunity in front of the goalkeeper.

In the closing stages, Ghana launched an attack, but it was Colombia who came close to doubling their lead through Sánchez and Quintero. The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved qualification for the Cafeteros.

Colombia will face Switzerland in the round of 16, again at Kansas City Stadium, on Tuesday 7 July.