Cape Verde Face Messi’s Argentina in Huge Test

A classic underdog battle will unfold at the World Cup on Friday as Cape Verde take on defending champions Argentina in a high-stakes knockout clash with a place in the last 16 on the line.

Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage, head into the match in Miami hoping to pull off one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

The Atlantic island nation has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the expanded 48-team tournament, exceeding expectations with a draw against Spain before advancing from Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, enter the match as overwhelming favourites after cruising through the group stage. Messi has already scored six goals in the tournament as Argentina continue their push for back-to-back World Cup titles.

Despite the challenge, Cape Verde insist they are not intimidated.

“We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear,” said Cape Verde coach Bubista.

“We know the importance of this match. It is the game of our lives, but we will enjoy it and give everything.”

Midfielder Deroy Duarte echoed that confidence.

“Everything is an honour and a reward,” he said. “We see this as another opportunity to make history.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who will oversee his 100th match in charge, warned against underestimating the African side.

“This is a team that hasn’t lost,” Scaloni said.

“They are not here by accident. We have to respect them.”

A win for Argentina would set up a last-16 clash against either Australia or Egypt, who also meet on Friday in Dallas.

Australia coach Tony Popovic has challenged his side to make history by securing the country’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory.

Egypt, meanwhile, are sweating over the fitness of star forward Mohamed Salah, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.

Coach Hossam Hassan said Salah would only play if fully fit.

Elsewhere, Ghana face Colombia in Kansas City, with Ghana hoping to improve Africa’s mixed record in the knockout rounds.

So far, five of the nine African teams in the last 32 have already been eliminated, including South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Algeria. Only Morocco have reached the last 16 so far.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said his team is determined to keep African hopes alive.

“We have to make it better,” he said. “It is our duty to add another African team to the next round.”

On Thursday, Algeria were knocked out after a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, while Portugal and Spain progressed to the last 16.