Lionel Scaloni admits Argentina escape after Cape Verde scare

National team coach Lionel Scaloni admitted it would have been "madness" for Argentina to have been eliminated by Cape Verde after the world champions edged a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory to book their place in the World Cup last 16.

The Albiceleste needed a goal in the second half of extra time to overcome the African side after twice surrendering the lead in a gruelling contest.

Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead in the 29th minute, but midfielder Deroy Duarte equalised on 59 minutes to force extra time.

Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's advantage in the 92nd minute, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to level again in the 103rd.

Diney Borges' own goal in the 111th minute, a deflection off Cristian Romero's header from a corner, finally secured victory for Scaloni's side.

"It was an incredibly tough match. You always have to take the positives from it. This team never gives up," the coach told the television broadcast after the final whistle.

The Argentina coach also praised Cape Verde's display.

"You have to congratulate our opponents. When people say there are no easy rivals, they proved today that they are a great team."

"I'm proud of everyone's contribution. We finished absolutely exhausted because they gave everything."

Asked about the prospect of defeat and elimination on the day he took charge of Argentina for the 100th time, Scaloni acknowledged how close his side had come to a shock exit: "It would have been madness to lose, but that's football."

Messi: 'A bit disorganised'

Messi admitted Argentina had expected a difficult contest and said knockout football leaves no margin for error.

"We knew it was going to be a very tough match. We did the hardest part by scoring the opening goal, but this is knockout football and nobody gives you anything," the captain told reporters.

"This Argentina team competes and will compete until the very end."

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also conceded his side struggled to apply pressure to Cape Verde.

"Our lines were too far apart. We became a bit disorganised and that meant they made us run because we couldn't press them properly."

'Until the end'

Goalscorer Lisandro Martínez echoed his manager's sentiments, praising both his teammates and their opponents after the hard-fought victory.

"We fought until the end. I'm proud of this team," the defender said. "We mustn't become complacent. They played an excellent match and deserve congratulations."

"We're prepared for anything. Sometimes you have to suffer and put yourselves to the test."

Argentina will face Egypt in the last 16 after the North Africans defeated Australia on Friday.

– TIMES/AFP