Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said the breathless 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the World Cup last-32 was a reminder that no knockout match is easy after the holders were pinned twice by the small African country before scraping through.
“That was for those who said we had it easy in the draw,” Scaloni told reporters after Friday’s match.
“Of course, we deserved to win and go through, but it was an extremely difficult match.”
Argentina arrived as heavy favorites but were forced into a grueling battle as Cape Verde, huge underdogs on paper, leveled twice to push the champions deep into extra time.
READ | Argentina vs. Cape Verde Player Ratings: Argentina survives the scare and wins 3-2 after extra time
“They finished the game absolutely devastated,” Scaloni said of his players.
«There are areas for improvement, but they have shown resilience. The players are tired because of extra time – too many minutes – and some cramps. But if they play with their heart, they can overcome anything.»
“The team showed their character and their value today.”
Scaloni acknowledged that the match was far less comfortable than many had predicted, especially after Cape Verde’s second equalizer raised the prospect of a major setback.
Left back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a fantastic shot into the top corner to level the teams in extra time.
“I just wanted the game to be over,” Scaloni said. «You saw the beautiful goal they scored. I am always on my guard. I was calmer than I looked.»
“Everyone thought it would be a walk in the park, but we knew it wouldn’t be.”
Asked whether the responsibility of being favorites weighed on Argentina, Scaloni dismissed the suggestion.
«No. The best thing about this team is that it just keeps going, keeps going, keeps going. The guys keep attacking with their hearts on their boots,» he said.
«I think we made good use of the opportunity. The pitch was strange; the ball didn’t want to run as we are used to, not ideal at all.»
For Scaloni, the match was also a nice summary of Argentina’s football condition.
«What does it mean to be Argentinian? To suffer,» he said.
«Cape Verde gave 200 percent, and in football the situation is leveled. The fans are the first to understand that this is Argentina and that nothing is easy for us.»
«There is something special about this jersey. We will continue to move forward and there is no way we haven’t come out of this stronger and moving forward.»
Published on July 4, 2026
