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'Remember the name': R Ashwin praises Cape Verde's historic run at FIFA World Cup 2026, almost defy Messi and Argentina originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- R Ashwin praises Cape Verde's incredible World Cup run against defending champions Argentina.
- Cape Verde twice equalised before an own goal finally ended their stunning resistance.
- Lionel Messi scored his record-extending 20th World Cup goal in Argentina's narrow escape.
R Ashwin tells the world to 'remember the name' after Cape Verde put up a brave fight against Argentina
Ravichandran Ashwin channelled his inner Ian Bishop and urged the world to "remember the name" Cape Verde after the tiny island nation produced one of the most extraordinary underdog displays in recent World Cup history, pushing defending champions Argentina to the absolute limit before finally bowing out in the Round of 32 on Friday.
Cape Verde is a country of just over half a million people, whereas Argentina are the defending World Cup champion, led by Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer to have ever lived. For most, the result was never in doubt.
Yet, Cape Verde refused to be swept aside, matched Argentina across more than 120 minutes of football, and left the tournament not with their heads bowed but with their reputation on a pedestal.
Argentina escape the blushes against Cape Verde
Argentina took the lead through Messi, who extended his own record with his 20th World Cup goal.
But Cape Verde didn't wilt. Deroy Duarte pulled the sides level in the second half, silencing those who had written the match off as a formality. Lisandro Martinez edged Argentina back in front during extra time, and for a moment it looked like the favourites would hold on comfortably.
Then Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a long-range strike of breathtaking quality to equalise again. Argentina eventually won when a corner led to an own goal by Diney Borge.
Still, Cape Verde kept pushing forward right until the final whistle, coming agonisingly close to forcing a penalty shootout.
R Ashwin heartbroken after Cape Verde's defeat to Argentina
The match had Ashwin glued to his screen, and he did not attempt to hide his admiration throughout.
During the game, he told his followers to remember the name Cape Verde regardless of what happened, calling them a remarkable team putting on a show for the ages.
He wrote: "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."
He also posted a separate message simply noting that Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was continuing to defy Messi, a nod to the stoic performance between the posts.
"Vozinha continues to defy Messi", he put out another tweet.
When it was all over and Cape Verde had been eliminated, Ashwin's final word was just their name, accompanied by a broken heart emoji, which said everything that needed to be said.
Argentina progressed to the Round of 16 with their World Cup dream intact, but the story of the day belonged to Cape Verde.
While playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout fixture, they matched one of football's most powerful nations. They leave the tournament having earned something no scoreline can fully capture: the respect of the entire football world.
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