Argentina
Argentina dominated their group, taking maximum points from three matches with eight goals scored and just one let in. I think they simply have too much quality all over the field for Cape Verde, with Lionel Messi top of the Golden Boot standings on six goals and Lautaro Martinez a clinical presence up front. Messi should come back into the team after Scaloni rested him for the final Group Stage outing, and Cristian Romero may be available again after the knee problem he picked up earlier in the competition. As I see it, the holders will want to kill the game off early and save their legs for the tougher rounds to come.
Expected Lineup: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Martinez.
Cape Verde
Few teams have captured the imagination in the group stage like Cape Verde, who kept Spain out in a goalless draw, battled back for a 2-2 draw against Uruguay and then blanked Saudi Arabia to progress without a defeat. I find Bubista's team brilliantly drilled, and they lean heavily on the heroics of 40-year-old keeper Vozinha, yet they have found the net just twice and could be without Telmo Arcanjo if his injury keeps him out. The difference in class against the world champions is huge, so I expect a low block and an attempt to frustrate. In my view, even a well organised Cape Verde will find it very hard to contain this Argentina front line for ninety minutes.
Expected Lineup: Vozinha; W. Pina, Lopes, Diney, Fernandes; K. Pina; Monteiro, Duarte; Livramento, Semedo, Mendes.
