World Cup: Messi survives Cape Verde scare to set up Egypt clash

Egypt reached the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history after beating Australia on penalties, while Argentina survived a major scare against Cape Verde to set up a meeting with the Pharaohs.

Egypt hold their nerve

Egypt are into uncharted territory. Hossam Hassan’s side defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Dallas, booking a historic place in the last 16.

Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs the perfect start, heading in from Karim Hafez’s delivery after 13 minutes. Australia responded after the break, when Mohamed Hany turned Riley O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net.

The Socceroos pushed hard, while Egypt finished strongly through Mohamed Salah, Ramy Rabia and Haissem Hassan. But neither side could find a winner in extra time.

Australia turned to former Lens keeper Mathew Ryan for the shootout, but Harry Souttar fired over and Louis Herrington hit the bar. Mahmoud Saber, Rabia, Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid all converted to send Egypt through.

Argentina avoid Cape Verde scare

Waiting for them are reigning world champions Argentina, who eventually overcame a fearless Cape Verde side 3-2 after extra time in one of the matches of the tournament.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring before half-time with his seventh goal of the World Cup to move clear at the top of the Golden Boot standings, but Cape Verde stunned the holders when Deroy Duarte levelled after the restart. Goalkeeper Vozinha then produced a string of outstanding saves to frustrate the Albiceleste, while Olympique de Marseille defender Facundo Medina was forced off through injury late in normal time.

Extra time proved even more dramatic. Lisandro Martínez appeared to have sent Argentina through when he restored their advantage, only for Lopes Cabral to produce a stunning curling strike to make it 2-2 and leave the reigning champions on the brink of one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Argentina finally found the decisive moment with nine minutes remaining, as Cristian Romero rose highest to power Messi's corner beyond Vozinha. Emiliano Martínez then preserved the lead with two outstanding late saves as Lionel Scaloni's side survived a monumental scare to book a mouthwatering last-16 meeting with Mohamed Salah and Egypt.

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