Cape Verde’s reward for reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages is a dream Round of 32 clash against reigning world champions Argentina and Lionel Messi.The African debutants booked their place in the knockout rounds after finishing second in Group H, becoming the smallest nation ever to reach that stage of the competition.Their unbeaten group campaign included draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, with those performances enough to send Bubista’s side into the last 32.Standing between Cape Verde and a place in the next round is an Argentina side led by Messi, who topped Group J after another impressive group-stage campaign.The Round of 32 encounter will be played in Miami on July 4 and promises to be one of the most fascinating ties of the knockout phase.For Cape Verde, it represents the biggest match in the country’s football history.Few would have imagined the tournament newcomers would still be competing at this stage, let alone preparing to face the reigning world champions.Argentina will start as overwhelming favourites, boasting one of the tournament’s strongest squads and the experience of winning the World Cup.However, Cape Verde have already shown they are capable of frustrating elite opposition.The Blue Sharks held Spain to a goalless draw before earning another valuable point against Uruguay, demonstrating the defensive discipline that has become their trademark.With nothing to lose and history already made, Cape Verde will head into the clash believing they can produce another memorable upset.For Messi and Argentina, the challenge will be ensuring they do not underestimate a side that has already surprised the football world and eliminated two-time champions Uruguay from the competition.
Cape Verde set for dream World Cup showdown against Lionel Messi and Argentina
