Football legends praise Cape Verde's valiant World Cup effort despite 3-2 loss to Argentina
Former football stars Rio Ferdinand, Iker Casillas, Daniel Sturridge and others praised Cabo Verde's performance after their 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the Round of 32 on Friday. Messi scored in the 29th minute, Duarte equalized in the 59th, Martinez put Argentina ahead in the 92nd minute of extra time, but Cabral leveled again in the 103rd minute. Diney's own goal off Messi's corner in the 111th minute ended Cape Verde's World Cup journey. The Blue Sharks' spirited display earned widespread acclaim from pundits and former players. Rio Ferdinand wrote: 'Oh my Cape Verde!!! What a goal WOW.' Iker Casillas said: 'Just for seeing the joy of the people of Cape Verde, it's worth it!!' Former Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels called it 'the most impressive game i have ever seen from a big time underdog.' Argentina advances to face Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7. African teams have been eliminated in seven of the eight matches involving the continent's representatives, with only two teams progressing to the next round.