The Lusail Stadium was awash with colour as Cape Verde took on Argentina in a clash that many had written off before the whistle blew.
When Lopes Cabral found the net in the 103rd minute, the scoreboard read 2‑2, and the stadium erupted with a mixture of disbelief and delight.
A Celebration That Defied Convention
His celebration, which stretched for several minutes as relatives leapt from the stands, was a rare sight in modern football, yet the referee let him continue without a caution.
The International Football Association Board stipulates that excessive celebration can merit a yellow card, but the match officials chose to let the moment pass.
BBC commentator Aly McCoist later described the goal as “different class,” while former England striker Ian Wright called the whole performance a “Herculean” effort.
Argentina, now assured of a Round of 16 berth, will meet Egypt on Tuesday, a fixture that promises another test of resolve for the South American side.