This is quite the matchup for World Cup knockout football. Argentina, the defending World Cup champions and the No. 1-ranked team according to FIFA, takes on Cape Verde, the 67th-ranked side and the smallest country ever to send a team to the World Cup. Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina is loaded with big stars, while Cape Verde came in full of relative unknowns. But here they are, trying to be the biggest giant-slayers in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Friday’s match will begin at 6 p.m. ET in Miami. The victor will go on to face the winner of the Australia-Egypt match, which will be played at 2 p.m. ET on Friday.
The Argentinians are -600 favorites to win in regular time (-2500 to advance to the Round of 16) at DraftKings Sportsbook, and Cape Verde is +1800 (+1000 to advance). There are +700 odds that the tie will require extra time to decide.
Below, I’ll break down this knockout clash and provide my favorite bet.
Cape Verde vs. Argentina Best Bet:
It’s hard to see a way through for Cape Verde here. Their defense has held up admirably, but they haven’t had to play Leo Messi yet, who is in imperious form. This Argentinian attack is going to steamroll over the Verdean defense, and their excellent back line will keep things in order to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
Cape Verde vs. Argentina prediction, pick
Cape Verde’s path here has been nothing short of incredible. As first-time World Cup attendees, the Verdeans had a tough draw in the group stage against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Their miracle draw against Spain gave them hope, and by ending the group stage with three draws, they qualified for the knockout stages.
The back line has been exceptionally strong. Led by their goalkeeper Vozinha, Cape Verde’s star of the tournament, they’ve put up two clean sheets in three matches. Veteran center-backs Roberto Lopes and Diney Borges have been steady presences in the middle of the defense, while Steven Moreira and Sidny Lopes Cabral deal with threats out wide. Kevin Pina has been extremely important to the defense in central midfield and has contributed one of their two goals.
The problem so far has been the attack. They’re incredibly lucky to have advanced while scoring only two goals. It’s not for lack of chances finishing; Cape Verde’s 2.5 total xG ranks 34th among the 48 World Cup teams. If the defense can withstand this exceptional Argentinian attack, the counter has to be better at progressive play to break the Argentinian defense.
Of course, when talking about this Argentina team, you have to start with Lionel Messi. Their superstar forward scored six of their eight group-stage goals, powering the team to their first two victories and clinching the group. His clinical form from outside the box, free kick mastery, and quick finishing talents were all on display, and he left the group stage in pole position for the Golden Boot.
If we’re looking for concerns with the defending World Cup champs, it’s that Messi has done just about all of their scoring. Lautaro Martinez will have to find a way to contribute before their campaign is over, and the central midfield has to provide more of a scoring punch. Still, the back line has been incredible, and Emiliano Martinez continues to thrive as a big-game keeper.
This is the end of the line for Cape Verde. It’s been a great story, but facing the best player and the best team in the tournament is too much to overcome. They’ll certainly leave with their heads held high, but nothing is stopping Messi and the Argentinians.
Best Bet: Messi Anytime Goal + Argentina 90 Mins Moneyline + Over 2.5 Goals SGP (+116)
Additional World Cup Coverage
Check out the World Cup landing page at DraftKings Network for more World Cup content!
