Argentina’s World Cup defense has so far gone down without a hitch, and it continues in the round of 32 against debutant Cabo Verde on Friday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, United States.
Expectations certainly weren’t as high for Lionel Scaloni’s team entering this summer’s tournament compared to three-and-a-half years ago, with history working against them on this occasion. No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil went back-to-back in 1958 and 1962, and few believed an injury-affected Lionel Messi could embark on a campaign rivalling his masterpiece in the Gulf.
Argentina’s superstar has six goals to his name already, and he was on the scoresheet again in the 3–1 victory over Jordan, which meant the holders won all three of their group games.
Now, they’re taking on a confident Cabo Verde outfit whose president has already backed a 1–0 win in the build-up to Friday’s game. “We are playing to win … when expectations are low regarding a team, and if that team has the urge to win, it is possible,” José Maria Neves said.
The African archipelago followed its remarkable stalemate with Spain by also holding Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, with its three-point haul enough to see the team finish runner-up in Group H. Bubista’s outfit is as unified as any, and that’s counted for plenty across the Atlantic Ocean.
Anything is seemingly possible for the Cabo Verdeans, but progressing at Argentina’s expense in Miami would surely rank as the World Cup’s greatest ever upset.
Watch and Enjoy Argentina vs Cape Verde in FIFA World Cup Live Match Below.
Leave a Reply