The Argentinians can now rightfully consider themselves winners of everything. In Qatar, they finally clinched the championship title, and they won both of the most recent Copa Americas. It’s a pity they missed out on the Finalissima in the spring, but they topped the CONMEBOL qualifiers and only won their friendly matches. The same goes for the World Cup: a 3-0 win over Algeria and 2-0 against Austria secured them first place in the group ahead of schedule. Against Jordan, the reserves started, but they still won, and Messi, coming off the bench, scored his sixth goal of the tournament.
The Cape Verde national team already surprised many in the qualifiers. Scoring 23 points in ten matches, they topped their group ahead of Cameroon, winning the group. Thus, they earned the right to make their World Cup debut. And their run of surprises continued. After holding Spain to a 0-0 draw and drawing 2-2 with Uruguay—both favorites—the team realized that simply avoiding defeat against Saudi Arabia would be enough, and that match also ended goalless.
The champion averages 2.9 goals scored and concedes only 0.2 per match. The World Cup newcomer currently averages 1.5 goals scored and just 0.8 conceded per game.
Previous Matches: Argentina vs Cape Verde
Of course, Messi and company have never played against such an exotic opponent before.
The only question is how confidently the title holders will win. Out of respect for their opponent, we’ll limit ourselves to a handicap of “-1.5 goals” (odds – 1.6).
Argentina vs Cape Verde: Key Statistics and Trends
Argentina has won ten matches in a row
20% of Argentina’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 3.1
Cape Verde has drawn three matches in a row
40% of Cape Verde’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.3
Argentina vs Cape Verde: Probable Starting Lineups
Argentina plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Martinez – Medina, Martinez, Romero, Molina – Almada, Fernandez – Mac Allister, De Paul, Martinez – Messi
Cape Verde plays in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation (possible lineup): Vozinha – Cabral, Diney, Lopes, Moreira – Lenini – Rodrigues, Jamiro, Arcangjo, Mendes – Benschimol.
