Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Cape Verde vs Argentina has become one of the most intriguing World Cup last-32 ties, with Cape Verde president Jose Maria Neves backing the Blue Sharks to stun Lionel Messi’s defending champions in Miami.
Cape Verde are playing in their first FIFA World Cup and have already made history as the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage. Their reward is a meeting with top-ranked Argentina, a team sitting 63 places above them in the FIFA world rankings.
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Neves Believes In Cape Verde Upset
"I think Cape Verde can beat Argentina 1-0," Neves told the BBC.
"We are playing to win... when expectations are low regarding a team, and if that team has the urge to win, it is possible. A small nation like Cape Verde should make an effort to always do that - to permanently surprise people," he said.
That confidence comes from a group-stage run built on discipline, patience and a refusal to panic under pressure.
Blue Sharks Already Made History
Cape Verde opened with a goalless draw against Spain, where 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha became the hero. They then held two-time world champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw.
A second goalless draw against Saudi Arabia sealed second place in Group H after Spain defeated Uruguay. Those results showed Cape Verde can stay compact, slow bigger teams down and pick their attacking moments carefully.
"Cape Verde's team has 100% faith, 100% hope, and it would completely sweat out its jersey. So, we have a 100% chance to win against Argentina," Neves said.
"We went to this World Cup to write our own destiny, which is, facing champions.
"So, we are going to face Argentina and Messi with the same determination, same will, and with a desire to win and reach the next phase," he added.
For Argentina, the danger is clear. Cape Verde have already frustrated elite opponents, and one more disciplined display could turn Miami into the scene of a famous World Cup shock.
