Martín’s 67.00 Argentina vs Cape Verde Bet Builder

This is exactly where Argentina expected to be.

Three wins from three, top of the group, and Lionel Messi already looking like the best player at the tournament once again. Cape Verde deserve enormous credit for reaching the knockout stages, but this is a completely different challenge.

They’ve defended brilliantly so far, but eventually every defence cracks against Messi.

Here’s my 67.00 Bet Builder.

My Argentina vs Cape Verde Bet Builder (67.00)

• Argentina to win
• Lionel Messi 2+ goals
• Enzo Fernandez 1+ shot on target
• Facundo Medina to be booked
• Under 7.5 corners

Lionel Messi 2+ Goals

Messi is chasing history once again.

He has scored in every World Cup match so far, following a hat-trick against Algeria, a brace against Austria and another goal off the bench against Jordan. He’s now level with Kylian Mbappe on six goals in the Golden Boot race and one ahead of him in the all-time World Cup scoring charts.

When the knockout rounds arrive, Messi usually finds another level. I wouldn’t bet against another brace.

Enzo Fernandez 1+ Shot On Target

This is a really interesting player angle.

Enzo plays deeper for Argentina than he does for Chelsea, but that could actually help here. Cape Verde are likely to defend in a very low block, leaving space around the edge of the area for midfielders to shoot.

He had two efforts against Austria, scored twice during qualifying, and averaged 0.89 shots on target per 90 for Chelsea last season. I fancy him to test the goalkeeper at least once.

Facundo Medina To Be Booked

Cape Verde may not have much possession, but they’ll look to counter whenever they can.

Medina has already been booked once at this World Cup and collected seven yellow cards in 16 Ligue 1 starts for Marseille last season. He’s an aggressive defender who won’t hesitate to make a tactical foul if Ryan Mendes breaks away.

This feels like good value.

Under 7.5 Corners

Argentina simply don’t win many corners. We had just two against Algeria, three against Austria and two against Jordan, despite controlling all three matches.

Cape Verde are incredibly compact without the ball, so I don’t expect this game to become a corner-fest. Under 7.5 looks a sensible line.

Martín’s Prediction

Cape Verde have earned everyone’s respect, but I think this is where their incredible journey ends.

Argentina know exactly how to manage knockout football, and with Messi in this sort of form I can’t see us slipping up.

Predicted score: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde

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