Defending champions Argentina continue their quest to retain their World Cup title with a round of 32 knockout clash against underdogs Cape Verde early Friday morning in Miami.
Argentina, who beat France in the 2022 final, are unbeaten in the competition and bring an impressive 10-match winning streak into the game. They topped Group J with nine points, five more than their closest challengers.
Lionel Messi leads the scoring charts with five goals, including a hat-trick against Algeria in their opening game. They have shown pure intent on defending their title and seem to be hot favorites to win a fourth World Cup.
They face a Cape Verde side who have stolen hearts in their debut appearance at the global showpiece. The small African nation is home to approximately half a million people and have outdone themselves to make it this far already.
Betting glossary – 50 terms every punter should know
Cape Verde held favorites Spain in their opening group game and followed that up with crucial draws against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. This helped them finish second in Group H with three points.
The African nation have had a fairytale introduction to the FIFA World Cup and are hoping to continue that here. However, they are up against a very dangerous Argentine attack and would need to be at their absolute best.
Many tip Argentina as straightforward winners in this game but a knockout game could potentially make this one interesting. Will their dream finally come to an end against Messi’s Argentina?
Here is a detailed preview of the match as well as a predicted outcome.
Betway
What time does Argentina vs Cape Verde start?
The match kicks off at 1AM E.A.T at the Hard Rock Stadium
Argentina vs Cape Verde team news
There will be a number of changes made by coach Lionel Scaloni as he is expected to field his strongest available XI.
Como’s Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez and Giovanni Lo Celso all started the final group game against Jordan but are all expected to return to the bench here. Giuliano Simeone will also relinquish his position in the lineup.
After being rested, Alexis MaCallister and Enzo Fernandez will resume their duty at the heart of the midfield.
Lautaro Martinez scored his first ever World Cup goal in the 3-1 win against Jordan and will lead the attacking line, alongside Messi. The 39-year-old became the all-time World Cup goalscorer after bagging his 19th off the bench in the last game.
Spain vs Austria – World Cup knockout value bet
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has made headlines with brilliant performances this far into the competition and he will captain his nation from between the sticks.
Joao Paulo and Wagner Pina have been instrumental defensively on the flanks and they will retain their spots in the starting lineup.
There are no changes expected from the side that drew against Uruguay, with Dailon Livramento being the focal point of their attack up front.
Argentina vs Cape Verde head-to-head and current form
Argentina have won all of their last 10 games leading up this knockout clash. They have scored a whopping 22 goals in that impressive run.
Cape Verde come into the game on the back of three successive draws, keeping clean sheets in two of them. They are also unbeaten in six matches.
Portugal vs Croatia – World Cup knockout value bet
This will be the first ever competitive match between these two nations.
Current form:
Argentina – WWWWW
Cape Verde – DDDWW
Betway
Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction
The African side has been resolute defensively and have shown they can keep out some of the best. However, they have not faced an attacking threat quite like Messi and co, this could leave them a little exposed.
The defending champions are favorites to win here and book a place in the round of 16. They should expect an intense fight from the overachieving minnows Cape Verde.
Prediction – Argentina to win
ZarBet
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
