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Argentina poised for more World Cup glory
Lionel Scaloni’s side were one of only three teams to emerge from the group stages with a 100% record, alongside Mexico and France.
Eight goals scored, one conceded, and three solid performances have many believing Argentina can become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups.
Lionel Messi has scored six of those eight goals and the Inter Miami star looks hungry for yet more success at the World Cup. He became the first player to score in seven consecutive matches at the tournament following his free-kick against Jordan.
The World Cup Golden Boot has so far eluded Messi. Should he maintain this sort of goalscoring form, though, that could well change in the coming weeks.
The route to the semi-finals has certainly opened up for La Albiceleste. Victory over Cape Verde sets up a clash against either Australia or Egypt in the last 16. Win that, and it is likely Colombia stand in their way of a third World Cup semi-final in the previous four tournaments.
Tournament Favourites France and Spain are in the other half of the draw, thus Argentina cannot meet either of them until the final. Surely that is enough incentive for Messi and Co to progress seamlessly through the bracket.
Cape Verde have been the biggest surprise package this summer
The Island nation, which lies off the coast of Africa, has already made history by becoming the smallest country to ever reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Vozinha has arguably been the cult breakout star of the finals. After his heroics against Spain, the veteran saw his Instagram follower count rise from 31,000 to nearly 17m. That even surpassed the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for percentage increase during the tournament.
Having conceded just twice across their three group games, however, Cape Verde demonstrated plenty of fight in reaching the knockout phase.
Bubista’s men have absolutely nothing to lose, which could make the nation a dangerous opponent to break down. Argentina will have avoid complacency.
Team news
Scaloni has no fresh injury concerns ahead of this clash. Messi did start the final group game on the bench, but enjoyed a late cameo, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament in the process.
For Cape Verde, Telmo Arcanjo is out of the clash against the world champions due to a hamstring injury. Aside from that, Bubista has no other injury concerns.
Prediction
Argentina have played some wonderful football so far, making light work of Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Cape Verde, though, are riding the crest of a wave right now and this could perhaps give the nation a massive boost heading into the clash.
President José Maria Neves certainly believes his country can prevail, saying: “I think Cape Verde can beat Argentina 1-0,” when speaking to the BBC.
Unfortunately, their journey will end at the hands of the defending world champions, who should win comfortably in Miami.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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