Key events
Preamble
Hello! It’s fairytale time as Cape Verde, the smallest nation left in the World Cup, are playing the world champions, Argentina, led by the greatest player of the modern era. According to Opta’s Very Big And Clever Super Computer the Cape Verdeans have a 10% chance of winning tonight, which seems a little generous?
Anyway, if they do win it would be a sporting shock along the lines of Japan beating South Africa at the (Rugby) World Cup, Leicester winning the Premier League, Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson, the Miracle on Ice, Cameroon beating Argentina at the 1986 World Cup, Saudi Arabia beating Argentina at the 2022 World Cu… Hang on, I’m seeing a trend here.
Tom will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a look at this match from Graham Ruthven’s daily watch guide:
What to watch for
So far, so good for Argentina in their World Cup defence. Messi and his team maintained a perfect record through the group stage, scoring eight goals and conceding just one in the process. On the basis of what they have shown so far, La Albiceleste will take some stopping. Their game is functioning well.
Cape Verde have made history at every turn this summer. Not just content with qualifying for their first World Cup, the Blue Sharks will now play their first World Cup knockout match against the defending champions. Cape Verde kept Spain and Uruguay at arm’s length and will aim to do the same against Argentina.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina – The Goat has been in top form so far, scoring six goals in just three games. Even at 39, Messi is unmatched when it comes to deciding a match at the elite level. There’s no one like him.
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