World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 32: Argentina v Cape Verde

Match 86: Argentina v Cape Verde
Location: Miami Stadium
Time: 10:00am, Saturday 4 July
Head to Head: First meeting

Key Stats

• Argentina has won its last 10 games
• Argentina has recorded 8 clean sheets in is last 10 games
• Messi scored 6 goals in the group stage
• Cape Verde have maintained 4 clean sheets in their last 5 matches

Preview

Congratulations to Cape Verde who in their first appearance have managed to qualify for the knockout stages. Three draws were enough to see them through including 0-0 draws with Spain and Saudi Arabia. Their entire game plan is built around their defence and they have now recorded 4 cleans sheets in their last 5 games. Both teams have scored in only 1 of those games but their defence faces the ultimate test in the Round of 32 – the defending champions.

Nobody has been able to stop Argentina from scoring. They have won their last 10 games, scored at least twice in 9 of them, and maintained a clean sheet in 8. That is dominance in every facet of the game and they also have a monumental edge in experience. They have scored four times as many goals as Cape Verde (8 to 2) and have had more than twice as many shots on target (15 to 7).

The game may not be won on paper, team line-ups and statistics, but one cannot underestimate the task that Cape Verde is faced with. If that is not enough, this game is being played in Miami where Messi currently plays his club football (Inter Miami). We are yet to witness a goalless draw in the knockout stages and Argentina’s prowess in front of goal means that Cape Verde must somehow find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. Unlike other teams who dominate possession, Argentina turn possession into opportunities and goals. Another win with a clean sheet is on he way.

Player To Watch

Would need two pages to list his achievements and a novel to describe just how good Messi is. What he is doing at age 39 is remarkable and he continues to be lethal in front of goal. He has turned 15 shots into 9 attempts on target and 6 goals. The link play between he and the midfield duo of Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez is a thing of beauty. Cape Verde will need to find a way to contain Messi as completely stopping him is not possible.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: Argentina WIN/Under 3.5 goals ($1.80)
Other: First Goalscorer – Lionel Messi ($2.75)
Correct Score: Argentina 2-0 ($5.75)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – NO, Argentina Win Both Halves, Messi Anytime Goal ($3.21)