Egypt Coach Unsure if Salah Will Start Against Australia

Cape Verde, the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout rounds, faces a monumental task against Lionel Messi and Argentina on Friday. The Atlantic archipelago nation, considered a fairytale story of the tournament, dreams of achieving the greatest upset in World Cup history by defeating the defending champions. Cape Verde earned their spot in the last 16 by drawing with Spain and narrowly advancing past Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

“

We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best. There is no other thought in our minds than trying to advance past this round.

Argentina, with six goals from captain Messi, breezed through the group stage and is expected to defeat the African qualifiers. However, Cape Verde's coach, Bubista, insists his team is calm and earned their place through merit. "We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best," Bubista stated. Midfielder Deroy Duarte echoed this sentiment, viewing the game as another opportunity to make history.

“

Everything is an honor and a reward, and we see Argentina as a game like this -- another chance to make history. So why not? We will give everything and then at the end of the game we will see.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, marking his 100th game, acknowledges the challenge, noting Cape Verde's unbeaten group stage record. "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," Scaloni said. A victory for Argentina would set up a last 16 clash with either Australia or Egypt.

“

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.

Meanwhile, Australia's coach Tony Popovic is eager for his team to make history by winning their first World Cup knockout game. Egypt faces fitness concerns surrounding star player Mohamed Salah, who is nursing a hamstring problem. Coach Hossam Hassan stated Salah will only play if he is "100 percent sure he is fit and raring to go." In another match, Ghana hopes to improve the performance of African teams in the knockout stage when they play Colombia.

“

It will be a special match and we want to show Australian football on the world stage.