However, Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, showed particular caution, dismissing suggestions that the team, participating in the tournament for the first time, would be an easy opponent for the defending champions.
Cape Verde is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage, having drawn three matches against European champions Spain , Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
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Argentina's national team coach, Lionel Scaloni. Photo: AP |
Argentina advanced to the knockout stage after a near-perfect group stage campaign.
However, Scaloni stressed that his players are treating Cape Verde with the utmost respect. “We are in a good moment, but the points difference is very small right now. This is a game where if we lose, we will be eliminated. We know that,” Scaloni said.
He also commented: “They are a strong team. We have been following them, not only because we will be playing against them, but also because we have analyzed potential opponents and then they qualified for the next round. To be honest, we are not surprised. They are a good team and they didn't come here by chance. We have to respect them and that is what we will do.”
Although Cape Verde remained unbeaten thanks to their solid defensive tactics, the "Blue Sharks" have yet to win a match in the group stage. However, coach Scaloni believes that there were matches where this disciplined African team deserved to win: "In the match against Saudi Arabia, they deserved to win. And in the matches against Spain and Uruguay, perhaps they were under a little more pressure, but they defended well."
"They also block passes into the box and are really good on the counter-attack. They have talented players," coach Scolani explained.
For the defending champions, many believe their goalscoring is overly reliant on Lionel Messi. He has scored six of Argentina's eight goals in total, leading the tournament's scoring charts alongside France's Kylian Mbappe . However, coach Scaloni dismissed concerns about their dependence on the Argentine star, emphasizing that the team continues to create scoring opportunities regardless of who finishes. "Of course, everything he does is more visible, but the team now has another striker," Scaloni said.
“We created many chances and Leo Messi, in addition to being an excellent player, is also a striker. We will try to ensure everyone scores, just like any other team,” said coach Scolani.
Messi didn't start the final group stage match because coach Scaloni rested him before the knockout rounds and expected him to return to the starting lineup. However, when asked about Messi's fitness and the possibility of extra time in the hot Miami weather, Scaloni declined to comment on how many minutes the 39-year-old would play. "He played very well. I hope everything goes smoothly, but that will depend on the course of the game and his health," said Coach Scaloni.
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/scaloni-canh-giac-1047387
