Cape Verde success isn’t accident, Scaloni warns Argentina

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has issued a stern warning to his squad, urging them not to take Cape Verde lightly as they prepare to face off in the World Cup's round of 32. Scaloni stressed that the Blue Sharks' remarkable journey to the knockout stages is a testament to their quality and should not be dismissed as mere luck.

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This is a team that hasn’t lost. They aren’t here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do.

"This is a team that hasn’t lost," Scaloni stated ahead of his 100th match managing Argentina. "They aren’t here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do." Cape Verde impressively drew all three of their group games, securing their passage ahead of more fancied opponents, highlighting their resilience and tactical discipline.

While Lionel Messi has been the standout performer for the defending champions, scoring six goals in three games, Scaloni acknowledged a desire to see the scoring burden spread more evenly across the team. "We would love to spread the goals across the whole team," he admitted, though he downplayed concerns about an over-reliance on the 39-year-old superstar. Scaloni also recognized the formidable presence of France in the tournament, describing their dominant performances and potent attack as "eye-catching."

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We would love to spread the goals across the whole team

The match against Cape Verde, scheduled for Friday in Miami, presents Argentina with a potential pathway towards a quarter-final clash against either Australia or Egypt. However, Scaloni's focus remains squarely on respecting their immediate opponent and ensuring his team is fully prepared to overcome the challenge posed by the undefeated Cape Verdeans.

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What France has done is eye-catching. They are a great team