CORNERFLICK
Cape Verde president José Maria Neves has backed his country to spring a surprise on Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, saying the team can win 1-0 and reach the last 16.
Cape Verde, competing at the finals for the first time, reached the knockout stage after draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, with other group results also helping their progress, according to ESPN.
They now face Argentina in their first knockout match. Lionel Messi has scored six of Argentina’s eight goals so far as they top their group with three straight wins.
Speaking to BBC, Neves said Cape Verde would go into the game looking for a victory rather than simply trying to contain the holders.
"When expectations are low and a team is highly motivated, anything can happen," he said.
He added that a small country such as Cape Verde must keep trying to surprise people, and said the squad would carry the same desire and ambition against Argentina and Messi.
"We have come to this World Cup to write our own story," Neves said.