Defending champions Argentina will be hoping to avoid a potential banana skin when they face Cape Verde in the last-32 stage of the World Cup on Friday.
It has been a memorable World Cup for Cape Verde, who managed to draw all three Group H games against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to progress as runners-up, but their time could come to an end when they take on Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday.
Reigning champions Argentina were one of three teams to boast a 100% record in the group stage, beating Algeria, Austria and Jordan to qualify for the knockout rounds for the sixth World Cup in a row.
We’ve assessed the World Cup betting markets for a Bet Builder, which pays out at 10/1 if successful.
Argentina v Cape Verde Bet Builder Tips
Argentina to win to nil @ 8/13
Lionel Messi first goalscorer @ 7/4
Under 2.5 goals @ 23/20
Julian Alvarez 1+ shots on target @ 1/6
Pays out at 10/1
Argentina to ease through
Argentina looked impressive during the group stage, recording wins to nil against Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0) before registering a 3-1 success against Jordan.
That goal against Jordan was the first the Argentines had conceded since a 2-1 victory over Mauritania in March and they have been built on strong defence, with seven of their last nine wins all coming with clean sheets.
While Cape Verde’s run to the knockouts has been a memorable one, they failed to score in two of their matches and it will be difficult for them to break down the defending champions.
Leg 1: Argentina to win to nil @ 8/13
Talisman Messi to get things up and running
Lionel Messi has been in sensational form at this World Cup, scoring six goals in three matches which included a hat-trick in the opening win over Algeria.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward has accounted for six of Argentina’s eight goals at the tournament and he has opened the scoring in two of the three games.
With Kylian Mbappe moving level with Messi in the Golden Boot race after France’s win over Sweden, Argentina’s talisman will be eager to move ahead and can grab the first goal on Friday.
Leg 2: Lionel Messi first goalscorer @ 7/4
Low-scoring affair anticipated
Cape Verde showed their defensive grit in the 0-0 draws against Spain and Saudi Arabia and they will adopt a defensive approach once again in Miami.
Argentina have the quality to eventually break down their opponents but they are unlikely to go for the jugular so early in the knockout stages, as they look to preserve energy for the later rounds.
Expect La Albiceleste to pick up either a 1-0 or 2-0 victory, which would see the under 2.5 goals selection land.
Leg 3: Under 2.5 goals @ 23/20
Alvarez can hit the target
Having been handed a start for the last group game, Julian Alvarez is expected to drop down to the bench for this last-32 tie, with Lautaro Martinez and Messi preferred up top.
Atletico Madrid forward Alvarez should be introduced to the play at some point and he looks capable of getting at least one shot on target, something he has achieved in each of the last two matches.
Leg 4: Julian Alvarez 1+ shots on target @ 1/6
