Cape Verde Hub
Cape Verde's Tubarões Azuis upset Argentina 3-2 and dominate pass statistics
The Tubarões Azuis of Cape Verde closed out the match against Argentina 3‑2 on the night of July 3, recording 1,187 accurate passes – the highest total of the World Cup 2026 round of 16. The result places the African side among the tournament’s most efficient teams, despite Messi’s late‑time goal.
How did the game unfold?
Argentina struck first in the opening half, but Cape Verde responded quickly. Kevin Pina and Hélio Varela scored in the group stage, while Deroy Duarte and Sidny Cabral found the net in the historic match. The duel ended with three goals for the Africans, two for the South Americans, and saw Lionel Messi reclaim the scoring lead with seven goals.
Why were the passes so decisive?
The statistic of 1,187 accurate passes (779 for Argentina and 408 for Cape Verde) shows the Cabo Verdean team’s ball‑retention ability. By comparison, the second‑best encounter – Belgium versus Senegal – totaled 1,138 passes. This efficiency reflects a style built on rapid circulation and chance creation, something the coach has not yet disclosed publicly.
What numbers highlight Cape Verde’s campaign?
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Accurate passes | 1,187 |
| Goals scored | 4 |
| Defenders in focus | Vozinha (3rd highest) |
| Cards received | 10 (9 yellow, 1 red) |
The side also finished the group stage with four goals, surpassing Uruguay and Australia. Vozinha stood out as the third‑highest defender of the competition, while the team kept possession around 63.5 % in its matches.
What’s next?
With the win, Cape Verde moves into the round of 16, where it will face the winner of the France‑Paraguay clash. The next game is scheduled by July 7, and the squad already shows confidence to take on European opponents. Meanwhile, Messi returns to the top of the scoring chart, but the Tubarões Azuis’ defence proved it can contain even the best attackers.
Why does this matter for the national team’s future?
The performance against Argentina raises Cape Verde’s international profile and could attract European clubs’ attention to talents like Deroy Duarte. Moreover, the high pass‑completion rate indicates the team is ready to compete in later stages, challenging the notion that African sides are merely participants.
The journey continues, and Cape Verde fans are already eager for the next showdown, which could decide whether the Tubarões Azuis achieve a historic milestone in the World Cup 2026 round of 16.
