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Current world champions with a 100% record in the group stage, Argentina, begin their knockout campaign against the biggest surprise of the World Cup, the Cape Verde national team.
Argentina come into the match on the back of a perfect campaign in Group J. The team led by Lionel Scaloni beat Algeria, Austria and Jordan, progressing with nine points and confirming their status as one of the main contenders for the title.
This is also a symbolic moment for Scaloni, who will reach 100 matches in charge of the Argentina national team precisely in this clash against Cape Verde. Since taking over the Albiceleste, the coach has won the Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and has restored Argentina to the ranks of the most consistent teams in world football.
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On the pitch, Lionel Messi remains Argentina's main man. The number 10 heads into the knockouts in great form and is among the top scorers of the tournament, but the team's strength is not just about their star.
Argentina have shown collective control, a solid defence and attacking variety with players such as Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.
The latest good news is in defence. Cristian Romero has returned to full training after an injury and increased Scaloni's options for the first knockout match.
On the other side, Cape Verde are enjoying a historic campaign. In their first-ever World Cup appearance, the Blue Sharks progressed from the group after three draws in Group H, including impressive results against Spain and Uruguay.
The African side come in as huge underdogs, but have already shown organisation, defensive resilience and the ability to compete against technically superior opponents.
Therefore, despite Argentina's favouritism, the match demands more caution than the historical weight of the shirts might suggest.
Argentina v Cape Verde Tips
Lionel Messi to score – 1/2 @ bet365
Argentina to win to nil – 4/7 @ bet365
Argentina to win + Over 2.5 goals – 3/4 @ bet365
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.
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Messi factor
You saw Argentina's name there and immediately thought of him. I know. Lionel Messi is gracing the World Cup at the age of 39, having just celebrated his birthday, with six goals in the first three matches, and will face another side that is far from the most feared, despite the excitement around players like the standout goalkeeper Vozinha.
Messi received the highest Flashscore rating in all three of Argentina's matches, twice above 9, and promises more in this World Cup as he continues his great battle for the Golden Boot with other stars of the tournament, such as Mbappé, Haaland and Vinícius Júnior.
Tip: Lionel Messi to score – 1/2 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Lionel Messi scores at least one goal, including extra time if played.
Unbreakable defence?
Argentina conceded just one goal in the group stage, but we know they were not really tested by Austria, Algeria and Jordan in this early stage of the World Cup. That is likely to continue against Cape Verde, who are expected to sit deep and look to hit on the counter.
Much of Argentina's defensive strength lies in their midfield, who were able to rest against Jordan, with players like Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul and Almada on the bench to allow game time for others who were well tested, such as Paredes and the young prospect Nico Paz.
Tip: Argentina to win to nil – 4/7 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet will win if Argentina win and keep a clean sheet.
Getting past Vozinha
Cape Verde have shown that their defence can stop a dynamic attack like Spain's, or even Serbia's and Cameroon's is they did in matches before the World Cup. But not even the star Vozinha is likely to be able to stop a team led by Lionel Messi.
Moreover, the Blue Sharks showed against Uruguay that they can break down opposing defences, which could be a factor for this prediction, though Argentina are still expected to win in normal time.
Tip: Argentina to win + Over 2.5 goals – 3/4 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Argentina win and the match has three or more goals in normal time (i.e. extra time does not count, if played).
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Odds for Argentina v Cape Verde
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.
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