Round of 32 · #86
Argentina v Cape Verde
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
The goals, minute by minute
- 29'Lionel MessiGoal · 1-0
- 59'Deroy DuarteGoal · 1-1
- 92'Lisandro MartínezGoal · 2-1
- 103'Sidny Lopes CabralGoal · 2-2
- 111'Diney BorgesOwn goal · 3-2
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Argentina (1st Group J) vs Cape Verde (2nd Group H, surprise) · knockout
Level of the teams
Argentina: reigning world champion, well-oiled under Scaloni with Messi as the
guiding light. Title contender.
Cape Verde: a historic debutant, organized defense, the big surprise as group
runner-up. Well below in pedigree.
Key factors
- Huge gap in level and squad in Argentina's favor.
- Cape Verde will defend with order and try to hold on.
- Argentina arrives as a heavy favorite in the tie.
Prediction
Result in 90': 3-0 Argentina (alternative: 2-0 Argentina)
- Argentina win: ~88%
- Draw: ~9%
- Cape Verde win: ~3%
Advances: Argentina (~92%)
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina's guiding light.
Final verdict, Confidence: high
Argentina is far superior in every area and should advance comfortably. Cape
Verde will look to limit the damage, but an Argentine progression is near-certain.