After the controversy of the Croatia Portugal and the way that ending made me feel about this World Cup in general, I like everyone else wasn't expecting this game would be the perfect antidote to the sickness I was left with after that debacle on Thursday evening. If the Croatia, Portugal ending to the game summed up everything that is wrong with football, Argentina v Cape Verde was everything that is right. Not only was this an amazing game of football, for me it has to be the game of the tournament so far, not necessarily for the skill factor and great goals, which there was plenty of by the way but mostly because of the story of this game and how it played out.
Unfortunately it didn't have a fairy tale ending, but what a performance from Cape Verde. Argentina were massive favourites to win this game and to be fair they just had enough to get over the line in the end, but the underdogs just didn't give in, they played with great pride and belief and never went into the shell, despite being behind to reigning world champions on two occasions. The Blue Sharks never thought they were beaten and twice came back from the dead to put doubt into the Argentinians mind. For them to come back after Messi had put them in front was surprising enough, but during extra time after falling behind again to a fine Martinez strike to come back again was just unbelievable, and what a strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral, he let fly with absolutely unstoppable shot from the edge of the area that screamed past Martinez in Argentine goal, what a moment for Cape Verde and what a celebration that followed, Cabral going into the crowd to celebrate with family members. A little part of me was anxious after the goal, as I was half expecting VAR to get involved and find away to rule the goal out, but my cynicism was unwarranted on this occasion and the goal rightly stood. With 9 minutes remaining and penalties looking increasingly likely Messi's 111th minute corner was headed by Romero and deflected past Vozinha to make it 3-2 to Argentina. Cape Verde came again though and but for a fantastic save from Emi Martinez, Cabral's free kick would have equalised again, undeterred by this they continued to pour forward and ask questions of their opponents, alas however, this time Messi and the gang stood firm and saw it out. Obvious elation from the Argentines and immense dejection from the Cape Verdians as the ref called for time but as they lay on the pitch head in hands after giving everything in this thrilling encounter, obviously feeling the pain of going out, they should be very proud of their efforts during this tournament. They came in as potential whipping boys, expected to be Group H goal fodder and ended up holding the European champions to a 0-0 draw, qualifying in second place and then going toe to toe with the champions of the World and taking them to within minutes of a penalty shoot out. Hopefully they receive a heroes welcome when the arrive home for their exploits in this years tournament, as given their performances it is the least they deserve. Thank you for Cape Verde for restoring some of my faith in football again, it's going to be a less fun without you, but there is no doubting you have been the story of this years World Cup.
How could the rest of the remaining, last 32 games compare with that? Well in truth they couldn't. Ghana did what Ghana do, which is sit in and wait to catch their opponents on the counter and try to win 1-0, unfortunately for them they were up against a very good Colombia side and a Jhon Arias strike on 14 minutes was enough to win it for the South Americans and send Ghana packing. Carlos Queiroz and his tactics proved to not be good enough in the end to progress further in the tournament and despite being a decent defensive unit, they just didn't have what it takes at the other end of the pitch, and ultimately it was this that cost them. No doubt we will see Ghana again in the next World Cup, probably under another coach, and as sure as eggs is eggs we will Queiroz back again with yet another nation playing his ultra defensive, sometime counter attacking football. As for Colombia they have been praised by many that of seen them play, as for me I couldn't possibly comment as most of their games have taken place in the early hours of the morning, and other than seeing a few highlights for most of their tournament I have been asleep.
Australia v Egypt looked like quite a close game on paper and in the end it was probably no surprise to anybody that it went all the way to penalties. The biggest shock was when Tony Popovic replaced his young keeper Patrick Beach, who by the way had, had a very good tournament, with experienced keeper Matt Ryan, with minutes left of extra time. This brave move, coupled with the idea of selecting two central defenders to take penalties, despite neither of them ever taking one before, no doubt helped Egypt to win the shootout, Salah's men scored all their penalties, with Ryan nowhere near any of them and both Australian defenders missed their spot kicks. So Egypt progress and now face Argentina in the round of 16, lucky them!!
So that's another round of games over and it is time to look forward to the last 16.
Up the Football!!
