JAKARTA - Argentina national team coach Lionel Scalonimengakui his team got a tough test when they met Tanjung Verde in the 2026 World Cup 32-team match at the HardRock Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA, Saturday WIB.
Scaloni also praised the performance of Cape Verde, who forced Argentina to play extra time for a dramatic 3-2 victory and into the last 16.
"This match was really very difficult. We have to keep focusing on the positive things. This team never gives up, that's the most important thing," Scaloni said after the match, quoted by ANTARA from FIFA.
Lionel Messi's seventh goal of the tournament this time brought Argentina to the lead, but Tanjung Verde succeeded in equalizing the score and forcing extra time to be played.
Even in extra time, Tanjung Verde did not throw in the towel when Lisandro Martinez brought Argentina ahead again. They answered with a spectacular counter-goal from the feet of Sidny Cabral.
Argentina finally won the match thanks to DineyBurgos' own goal in an aerial duel with Cristian Romeromenyambut the ball from the left corner sent by Messipada minute 111.
"I have to give credit to our opponent. Today, Cape Verde proved that they are a great team. Honestly, everyone feels very tired after the game, because they have given their best," said Scaloni.
Scaloni emphasized that character and mentality were important factors that brought Argentina through the difficult situation in the match.
"This is Argentina. If you don't understand it, it will be difficult. We Argentines will understand it, because nothing is easy," said Scaloni.
In the match, goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez was one of the key figures with a number of important saves that kept Argentina's chances alive until the final whistle.
Argentina will then face Egypt, who qualified by beating Australia on penalties, in the last 16 match scheduled to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Tuesday (7/7).
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