"What a Team!" – Ashwin hails Cabo Verde's heroics vs Argentina

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin praised Cabo Verde after their spirited display against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. The World Cup debutants pushed the defending champions all the way before losing 3-2 after extra time. Their fearless performance earned praise from football fans around the world.

Ashwin shared his thoughts in a post on X, saying, "What a team!" He wrote that while watching Cabo Verde, it was hard to believe they were making their FIFA World Cup debut and were ranked 63 places below Argentina. Ashwin also said the match reminded him of the thrilling 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France because of the excitement and intensity.

Although Cabo Verde's World Cup journey ended with defeat, they won the hearts of many with their performances. The debutants held Spain to a goalless draw, shared points with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and qualified for the Round of 32 in their first-ever World Cup appearance. Their brave fight against Argentina made them one of the biggest surprise stories of the tournament.

Cabo Verde's fairytale World Cup run ends in heartbreak against Argentina

Cabo Verde's memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 journey came to an end after a thrilling 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the Round of 32. Playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, the debutants made a bright start and tested Argentina early through Ryan Mendes. However, Lionel Messi gave the defending champions the lead in the 29th minute with a brilliant finish from Lisandro Martinez's pass. It was Messi's seventh goal of the tournament, moving him to the top of the Golden Boot race.

Cabo Verde came out with great energy in the second half and deservedly equalised before the hour mark. Ryan Mendes set up Deroy Duarte, who calmly finished from a tight angle to score Cabo Verde's first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal. Argentina created several chances after that, but veteran goalkeeper Vozinha made a series of excellent saves, including denying Messi, to force the match into extra time.

Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez scored from close range after a corner. But Cabo Verde refused to give up, as Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in a superb goal from a tight angle in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2. The decisive goal came in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero headed home from Messi's corner, with the ball taking a slight deflection off Diney Borges before crossing the line.

Cabo Verde pushed hard for another equaliser and almost forced a penalty shootout, but Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save to deny Lopes Cabral's late free-kick. Argentina held on to book a Round of 16 clash against Egypt. Although their World Cup journey ended in defeat, Cabo Verde won the respect of football fans around the world with an outstanding debut campaign.

"Remember the Name" — What Ashwin actually said about Cabo Verde

Ravichandran Ashwin was full of praise for Cabo Verde after their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. The World Cup debutants reached the Round of 32 and pushed defending champions Argentina to extra time before narrowly losing 3-2. Their fearless performances throughout the tournament earned admiration from fans across the world.

Sharing his thoughts on X, the former India all-rounder urged football fans not to forget the African nation's inspiring run. He praised Cabo Verde for the football they played and the impact they made on their first-ever World Cup appearance.

"Whatever happens from here on in. Remember the name 'CAPE VERDE'. What a team and what a show they have put on so far this World Cup. #FIFAworldcup," posted the Indian cricket legend.

Fans and cricket stars join Ashwin in hailing Cabo Verde's underdog story

Cabo Verde's inspiring FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign received praise from fans and several well-known cricket personalities after their dramatic Round of 32 clash against Argentina. Although they lost 3-2 after extra time, the debutants impressed everyone with their fearless football and determination against the defending champions.

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin led the tributes by calling Cabo Verde a team to remember. His post quickly gained attention on social media, with many fans agreeing that the African nation had been one of the biggest surprise packages of the tournament. Supporters praised their fighting spirit and the exciting brand of football they played throughout the competition. Here is how the fans reacted:

Cricket fans and sports lovers from around the world also joined the conversation, celebrating Cabo Verde's remarkable journey. Many described the team as the true underdogs of the tournament and said they had won hearts despite their exit. Their memorable World Cup debut has earned them respect and admiration far beyond football.