KANSAS CITY, Jul 4 (Alliance News): Argentina, Colombia, Switzerland and Egypt secured places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after dramatic victories on Friday, setting up intriguing knockout clashes as the tournament gathered momentum.
Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare before edging Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Cape Verde stunned the South Americans with equalisers from Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral. Argentina eventually sealed victory in the 111th minute when Diney Borges scored an own goal under pressure from Cristian Romero.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Cape Verde’s spirited performance, describing the match as extremely difficult. Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta.
Egypt reached the knockout stage after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Arlington, Texas. Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty, while Australia missed two spot-kicks. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah described the victory as a historic achievement for Egyptian football.
In Kansas City, Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 to extend their unbeaten run and qualify for the last 16. Arias struck in the 14th minute from a Luis Suárez cross after Jhon Córdoba was forced off through injury.
Colombia dominated the match, with Luis Díaz twice going close and Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi producing several outstanding saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Ghana struggled to break down Colombia’s disciplined defence despite the efforts of Antoine Semenyo.
The victory earned Colombia a Round of 16 meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver.
Switzerland booked their place with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Algeria. Breel Embolo gave the Swiss an early lead before Dan Ndoye sealed the win early in the second half as coach Murat Yakin’s tactical approach successfully neutralised Algeria’s attack.
Granit Xhaka controlled the midfield, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane was unable to prevent Ndoye’s well-taken finish after a defensive error. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international football following the defeat.
The upcoming Round of 16 fixtures will see Argentina face Egypt and Colombia take on Switzerland as teams continue their quest for the FIFA World Cup title.
Tournament organisers also confirmed that Sunday’s highly anticipated Round of 16 clash between England and Mexico at the Estadio Azteca will kick off as originally scheduled despite earlier concerns over severe weather.
