A classic David-versus-Goliath encounter will headline Friday’s FIFA World Cup action as tournament debutants Cape Verde face defending champions Argentina for a place in the Round of 16.
The Atlantic island nation, the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage, will meet Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions in Miami hoping to produce one of the greatest upsets in football history.
Cape Verde have emerged as one of the surprise stories of the expanded 48-team tournament. After earning a draw against Spain in the group stage, they edged past Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to qualify for the knockout rounds against all expectations.
Standing in their way, however, is an Argentina side inspired by captain Lionel Messi, whose six goals have helped the South Americans cruise into the last 32 as one of the tournament favourites.
Despite the daunting challenge, Cape Verde head coach Bubista insists his players are embracing the occasion rather than fearing it.
“We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about,” he said.
“We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best. There is no other thought in our minds than trying to advance past this round.”
Midfielder Deroy Duarte echoed his coach’s confidence, saying the opportunity to face Argentina represents another chance for Cape Verde to make history.
“Everything is an honour and a reward, and we see Argentina as a game like this—another chance to make history. So why not? We will give everything and then at the end of the game we will see,” he said.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who will oversee his 100th match in charge of the Albiceleste, has warned against underestimating the African side.
“This is a team that hasn’t lost,” Scaloni said.
“They aren’t here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do.”
The winners of the encounter will progress to face either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16.
Australia head coach Tony Popovic believes the Socceroos have an opportunity to create history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
“It will be a special match and we want to show Australian football on the world stage,” Popovic said. “If we perform well, we have a chance to make history.”
Egypt, meanwhile, are sweating over the fitness of captain Mohamed Salah, who is battling a hamstring injury.
Head coach Hossam Hassan said the Liverpool forward would only feature if he is fully fit.
“I am 100 percent sure he is fit and raring to go,” Hassan said.
Elsewhere on Friday, Ghana will attempt to keep African hopes alive when they take on Colombia in Kansas City.
Five of the nine African nations that reached the World Cup knockout stage have already been eliminated, with South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria all exiting the tournament. Morocco remain the only African side to have booked a place in the Round of 16.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said his team is determined to reverse that trend.
“We have to make it better,” Queiroz said. “It is on our shoulders to be sure that we add another African team to the next round. That’s our duty.”
Thursday’s action saw Algeria bow out after a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, while Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 and Spain comfortably defeated Austria 3-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 35 matches.