The tiny African nation was eliminated from the World Cup by one of soccer’s biggest powers, Argentina, but there was still plenty to celebrate.

New Zealand police told NBC News “an allegation is under investigation” but wouldn’t confirm whether Ryan Mendes is a suspect. He hasn’t been charged.

Cape Verde pushed the reigning champions to the brink of a penalty shootout before Argentina ultimately pulled off the 3-2 victory in extra time. It was an all-time thriller and showcased what both Strong and Holden describe as the "true beauty of the World Cup."

By Nick Mulvenney MIAMI, July 4 (Reuters) - Cape Verde's sensational debut World Cup campaign ended on Friday but not until they had taken world champions Argentina down to the wire and become the sentimental favourites of millions of fans around the world.

Ryan Mendes, the captain for Cape Verde’s national soccer team, is under investigation by police in New Zealand over allegations he raped a woman in March. Mendes, Cape Verde’s all-time leading scorer,

Cape Verde may have exited the World Cup following a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Argentina, but the tiny African nation has left a permanent mark on the global stage. Despite the loss, their performance against the reigning world champions in Miami drew unprecedented praise from some of football's biggest legends like Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

By Gabriel Araujo KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 4 (Reuters) - Argentina advanced to the World Cup last 16 with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, but the reigning champions left the match with new doubts after being pushed to the brink by the tournament debutants.

Cape Verde’s soccer team has been practicing in Tampa ahead of every match in the World Cup. The team wasn’t expecting to make it far, but they’ve become a Cinderella story of sorts and advanced to the knockout stage.