Argentina vs Cape Verde Islands Prediction, Preview and Stats

2026 World Cup, World
Miami Stadium Fri, 3 Jul - 10:00 PM
World Cup
Argentina ARG
3 Winner 2
Cape Verde Islands CPV
Full Time: After Extra Time Fri, 3 Jul 10:00 PM
Round of 32
Diney Borges - 111' (Own Goal)
Lisandro Martínez - 93'
Lionel Messi - 29'
Goal
|
Goal
Sidny Lopes Cabral - 103'
Deroy Duarte - 59'

CONTEXT

Argentina secured a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde Islands after leading 1-0 at halftime. With 64 percent possession Argentina dictated the tempo and generated superior opportunities as evidenced by their 2.07 expected goals against the visitors 0.58. This performance underscored their status as the stronger team and resulted in a deserved win despite Cape Verde Islands mounting a comeback with two goals. The differential in expected goals stood at 1.49 which aligned closely with the observed outcome. Throughout the match Argentina maintained pressure and capitalized on their chances effectively in the latter stages to secure the three goal tally. Cape Verde Islands showed determination but could not overcome the statistical and qualitative gap.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Argentina exhibited a significant structural deviation of 93.7 percent as the stronger team.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift was in line with expected performance metrics.
  • xG alignment: The final outcome was consistent with the xG alignment between the teams.
  • Market alignment: The result showed no market alignment with pre-match indicators.
  • xG expectations: Argentina's xG of 2.07 exceeded Cape Verde Islands' 0.58, meeting expectations for the stronger side.
  • Event impact: Key events in the second half contributed to the 3-2 final score.
  • Red card distortion: The absence of red cards meant no distortion from disciplinary actions occurred.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality

Match referee

D. Fischer

Canada 25 matches in sample
Avg. cards 4 0.36
Fouls / match 30.4
Yellow cards / match 4
Red cards / match 0.36
Penalties / match 0.36

Other match officials

M. Barwegen

1st Assistant

Canada

L. Arfa

2nd Assistant

Canada

K. Itzel García

4th Official

Mexico

League averages

World Cup Based on last 100 matches

Fouls / match 19.9
Yellow cards / match 2.12
Red cards / match 0.12
Penalties / match 0.13
Argentina L. Scaloni
L. Scaloni
VS
Cape Verde Islands P. Leitão Brito
P. Leitão Brito
3
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1
3 i
Last 6 Opponents
Jordan Rank: W
Austria Rank: W
Algeria Rank: W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1 i
Last 6 Opponents
Saudi Arabia Rank: D
Uruguay Rank: D
Spain Rank: D
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home Argentina
6.31%
Draw
91.84%
Away Cape Verde Islands
1.85%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
41.48
19.75
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Argentina
Cape Verde Islands
Power Score
41.48
19.75
League Position
1
2
Global Rank
3
-

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Argentina — Opponent-weighted form score
Cape Verde Islands — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Argentina Cape Verde Islands

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Argentina

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Cape Verde Islands

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Argentina ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Cape Verde Islands
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
26.84
21.41
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
21.41
26.84
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Argentina +0.49 Efficiency Index
vs
Cape Verde Islands -0.49 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Argentina
Cape Verde Islands
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Argentina
vs
Cape Verde Islands
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Argentina Cape Verde Islands
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
38%
33%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.79 vs -0.19
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Argentina Cape Verde Islands
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
33%
38%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.19 vs -0.79
Argentina
Cape Verde Islands
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Argentina
vs
Cape Verde Islands
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Argentina Cape Verde Islands
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Argentina 0.23
Cape Verde Islands 0.35
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Argentina Cape Verde Islands
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Argentina 0.06
Cape Verde Islands 0.02
Argentina
Cape Verde Islands
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • ARG had peak pressure around 132'.
  • ARG started the game with stronger pressure.
ARG Pressure CPV Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: ARG reached the top pressure at 132' (97.86).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 0 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Argentina ARG Home
0 matches
Cape Verde Islands CPV Away
Match Record
0
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
0
Goals
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0
0
Goal Difference
0

Data last updated: 2026-07-04T00:00:53+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-1-4-1
Pitch
D. Martínez
Argentina
23 D. Martínez
N. Molina Lucero
Substitution
Argentina
26 N. Molina Lucero
C. Romero
Argentina
13 C. Romero
L. Martínez
Argentina
6 L. Martínez
F. Medina
Substitution
Argentina
25 F. Medina
R. de Paul
Substitution
Argentina
7 R. de Paul
A. Mac Allister
Argentina
20 A. Mac Allister
E. Fernández
Argentina
24 E. Fernández
T. Almada
Substitution
Argentina
16 T. Almada
L. Messi
Argentina
10 (C) L. Messi
L. Martínez
Substitution
Argentina
22 L. Martínez
Pitch
J. Évora Dias
Cape Verde
1 J. Évora Dias
S. Lopes Cabral
Cape Verde
13 S. Lopes Cabral
E. Monteiro Sanches Borges
Cape Verde
3 E. Monteiro Sanches Borges
R. Lopes
Cape Verde
4 R. Lopes
S. Moreira
Cape Verde
22 S. Moreira
K. Gonçalves Pereira de Pina
Substitution
Cape Verde
6 K. Gonçalves Pereira de Pina
J. Borges Cabral
Substitution
Cape Verde
7 J. Borges Cabral
D. Duarte
Substitution
Cape Verde
14 D. Duarte
L. Duarte
Substitution
Cape Verde
15 L. Duarte
R. Mendes da Graça
Substitution
Cape Verde
20 (C) R. Mendes da Graça
N. da Costa Jóia
Substitution
Cape Verde
21 N. da Costa Jóia

General Information

Date & Time :
Jul 03, 2026, 10:00 PM
Competition :
2026 World Cup, World · Round of 32
Stadium :
Miami Stadium
Capacity :
65326
Attendance :
64478
Pitch Surface :
Grass
Weather :
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees :
Drew Fischer
Michael Barwegen
Lyes Arfa
Katia Itzel García

Statistics

Possession
ARG
61%
CPV
39%

Top Statistics

3 Goals 2
3 Big Chances Created 0
5 Shots 5
82 Dangerous attacks 34
64 Possession 36
8 Corners 8
14 Free kicks 16
1 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

72 Ball Safe 72
11 Goal Kicks 8
13 Goal Attempts 10
5 Substitutions 6
16 Throwins 18
6 Successful Headers 7
1 Assists 1
1 Injuries 0
16 Dribble Attempts 21
10 Successful Dribbles 10
63 Successful Dribbles Percentage 48

Attacking

174 Attacks 91
2 Big Chances Missed 0

Possession

39 Long Passes 50
849 Passes 476
779 Successful Passes 408
92 Successful Passes Percentage 86
11 Key Passes 11
25 Successful Long Passes 21
64 Successful Long Passes Percentage 42

Defensive

3 Saves 8
22 Tackles 19
9 Interceptions 9
55 Duels Won 53

Build-up

15 Total Crosses 21
6 Accurate Crosses 6

Discipline

3 Offsides 2
13 Fouls 12

Lineup

Referee : Drew Fischer

Starting XI ▼

23
Emiliano Martínez
Emiliano Martínez Goalkeeper
6.34
6
Lisandro Martínez
Lisandro Martínez Defender
7.35
13
Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero Defender
7.11
25
Facundo Medina
Facundo Medina Defender
6.98
3
Nicolás Tagliafico
Nicolás Tagliafico
Defender86'
6.67
26
Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina Defender
6.34
4
Gonzalo Montiel
Gonzalo Montiel
Defender104'
7
Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo De Paul Midfielder
7.08
5
Leandro Paredes
Leandro Paredes
Midfielder84'
6.86
16
Thiago Almada
Thiago Almada Midfielder
6.5
15
Nico González
Nico González
Attacker63'
7.04
20
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister Midfielder
6.7
24
Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández Midfielder
7.37
10
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi (C) Attacker
8.19
22
Lautaro Martínez
Lautaro Martínez Attacker
6.38
9
Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez
Attacker63'
6.47
Referee : Drew Fischer

Starting XI ▼

1
Vozinha
Vozinha Goalkeeper
7.73
3
Diney Borges
Diney Borges Defender
6.55
4
Roberto Lopes
Roberto Lopes Defender
6.8
13
Sidny Lopes Cabral
Sidny Lopes Cabral Defender
6.35
22
Steven Moreira
Steven Moreira Defender
6.56
6
Kevin Lenini
Kevin Lenini Midfielder
7.07
9
Benchimol
Benchimol
Attacker100'
7
Jovane Cabral
Jovane Cabral Midfielder
6.72
26
Hélio Varela
Hélio Varela
Attacker80'
6.49
14
Deroy Duarte
Deroy Duarte Midfielder
7.37
16
Yannick Semedo
Yannick Semedo
Midfielder100'
15
Laros Duarte
Laros Duarte Midfielder
6.42
10
Jamiro Monteiro
Jamiro Monteiro
Midfielder67'
6.49
20
Ryan Mendes
Ryan Mendes (C) Midfielder
6.72
17
Willy Semedo
Willy Semedo
Attacker80'
6.34
21
Nuno Da Costa
Nuno Da Costa Attacker
6.25
19
Dailon Livramento
Dailon Livramento
Attacker67'
6.53

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Gonzalo Montiel 
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
115'
Event
Diney Borges
Own Goal / 1st Own Goal
111'
Event
Gonzalo Montiel  → Nahuel Molina
11th Substitution
104'
103'
Event
Sidny Lopes Cabral
Right foot shot / 4th Goal
100'
Event
Benchimol → Kevin Lenini
9th Substitution
100'
Event
Yannick Semedo → Deroy Duarte
10th Substitution
Event
Lisandro Martínez
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
93'
Event
Nicolás Tagliafico → Facundo Medina
8th Substitution
86'
Event
Leandro Paredes → Rodrigo De Paul
7th Substitution
84'
80'
Event
Willy Semedo → Ryan Mendes
5th Substitution
80'
Event
Hélio Varela → Jovane Cabral
6th Substitution
68'
Event
Kevin Lenini
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
67'
Event
Dailon Livramento → Nuno Da Costa
3rd Substitution
67'
Event
Jamiro Monteiro → Laros Duarte
4th Substitution
Event
Julián Álvarez → Lautaro Martínez
1st Substitution
63'
Event
Nico González → Thiago Almada
2nd Substitution
63'
59'
Event
Deroy Duarte
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
1ST-HALF
Event
Lionel Messi
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
29'

Match Commentary

120
Update Update
Dailon Livramento of Cabo Verde is caught offside.
120
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde wins a corner after Lisandro Martínez concedes it.
119
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde is awarded a corner after Emiliano Martínez concedes.
119
Corner Corner
Diney Borges from Cabo Verde has a header saved in the bottom left corner by Emiliano Martínez of Argentina. The attempt was assisted by Steven Moreira's cross.
116
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde wins a corner, conceded by Emiliano Martínez.
116
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Sidny Cabral from Cabo Verde has a right-footed shot from a challenging angle and long range on the left, but Emiliano Martínez from Argentina saves it in the top right corner.
115
Update Update
Gonzalo Montiel commits a foul for Argentina.
115
Update Update
Hélio Varela from Cabo Verde is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
115
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Gonzalo Montiel of Argentina receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
114
Attempt Attempt
Willy Semedo's left-footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. The attempt was assisted by Jamiro Monteiro.
111
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Diney Borges concedes.
111
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Own goal by Diney Borges for Cabo Verde. The score is now Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2.
111
Corner Corner
Cristian Romero of Argentina misses a header from the left side of the six-yard box, sending the ball to the right. The attempt was assisted by Lionel Messi, who delivered a cross following a corner.
110
Update Update
Nicolás Tagliafico wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
110
Update Update
Willy Semedo from Cabo Verde commits a foul.
109
Update Update
Nicolás Tagliafico is caught offside for Argentina.
108
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Yannick Semedo from Cabo Verde takes a right-footed shot from outside the box.
107
Update Update
Alexis Mac Allister wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
107
Update Update
Foul committed by Jamiro Monteiro of Cabo Verde.
106
Update Update
Second Half Extra Time begins Argentina 2, Cabo Verde 2.
105
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 3 minutes of added time.
105
Attempt Attempt
Gonzalo Montiel's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
105
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Vozinha from Cabo Verde saves a left-footed shot from Lionel Messi in the center of the box.
105
Update Update
First half of extra time ends with the score at 2-2 between Argentina and Cabo Verde.
104
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Gonzalo Montiel comes on for Nahuel Molina.
103
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The match is now 2-2 as Sidny Cabral scores for Cabo Verde with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box into the top right corner, assisted by Yannick Semedo.
100
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Cabo Verde: Gilson Benchimol comes on for Kevin Pina.
100
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Cabo Verde: Yannick Semedo comes on for Deroy Duarte.
99
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Enzo Fernández's right-footed shot from outside the box for Argentina is blocked. Lionel Messi provided the assist with a cross.
98
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Argentina after Sidny Cabral concedes.
98
Attempt Attempt
Julián Alvarez's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
98
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Lionel Messi's left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. Julián Alvarez provided the assist.
97
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Steven Moreira from Cabo Verde has a right-footed shot from outside the box that is blocked. Hélio Varela provided the assist.
97
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde is awarded a corner after Lisandro Martínez concedes.
97
Corner Corner
Diney Borges from Cabo Verde misses a header from the center of the box after a corner.
96
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde is awarded a corner after Alexis Mac Allister concedes.
96
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde wins a corner after Nico González concedes.
92
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Argentina leads Cabo Verde 2-1. Lisandro Martínez scores for Argentina with a left-footed shot from the right side of the box into the top right corner, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister's headed pass after a corner.
92
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Pico Lopes concedes.
91
Update Update
First Half Extra Time begins Argentina 1, Cabo Verde 1.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 8 minutes of added time.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Leandro Paredes' right-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top center of the goal by Vozinha. The shot was assisted by Alexis Mac Allister.
90
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
90
Update Update
Deroy Duarte from Cabo Verde commits a foul.
90
Update Update
Julián Alvarez commits a foul for Argentina.
90
Update Update
Vozinha from Cabo Verde is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Enzo Fernández's header from the center of the box is saved by Vozinha in the center of the goal.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Vozinha from Cabo Verde saves a left-footed shot from outside the box by Lionel Messi of Argentina, which was aimed at the center of the goal.
90
Update Update
Nico González commits a foul for Argentina.
90
Update Update
Steven Moreira from Cabo Verde is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
90
Update Update
Nicolás Tagliafico wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
90
Update Update
Willy Semedo from Cabo Verde commits a foul.
89
Update Update
Attempt blocked. Alexis Mac Allister's header from the center of the box is blocked. Lionel Messi provided the assist with a cross.
87
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Deroy Duarte concedes.
87
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Alexis Mac Allister's right-footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
86
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Nicolás Tagliafico comes on for Facundo Medina due to an injury.
86
Update Update
Cabo Verde is flagged for offside as Hélio Varela is caught in an offside position.
84
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Kevin Pina concedes.
84
Update Update
Enzo Fernández commits a handball for Argentina.
84
Corner Corner
Nico González of Argentina misses a header from the center of the box, sending the ball to the right. The attempt was assisted by Lionel Messi, who delivered a cross after a corner.
84
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Leandro Paredes comes on for Rodrigo De Paul.
81
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Pico Lopes concedes.
80
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Cabo Verde: Willy Semedo comes on for Ryan Mendes.
80
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Cabo Verde: Hélio Varela comes on for Jovane Cabral.
79
Update Update
Enzo Fernández wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
79
Update Update
Foul committed by Kevin Pina of Cabo Verde.
78
Attempt Attempt
Kevin Pina from Cabo Verde misses a right-footed shot from outside the box to the left after a direct free kick.
78
Update Update
Cristian Romero wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
78
Update Update
Dailon Livramento from Cabo Verde commits a foul.
77
Update Update
Foul committed by Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina.
77
Update Update
Jamiro Monteiro from Cabo Verde wins a free kick in the attacking half.
76
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
73
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Vozinha concedes.
73
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
73
Corner Corner
Nico González from Argentina misses a header from the center of the box, sending the ball to the left. The attempt was assisted by Rodrigo De Paul, who provided a cross after a corner.
73
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Vozinha from Cabo Verde saves a left-footed shot from outside the box by Lionel Messi of Argentina, which was aimed at the top center of the goal.
71
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
71
Update Update
Foul committed by Deroy Duarte of Cabo Verde.
69
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Lionel Messi from Argentina has a left-footed shot from outside the box that is blocked.
68
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
68
Update Update
Kevin Pina from Cabo Verde commits a foul.
68
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Kevin Pina from Cabo Verde receives a yellow card for a foul.
67
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Enzo Fernández from Argentina takes a right-footed shot from the left side of the box.
67
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Cabo Verde: Dailon Livramento comes on for Nuno da Costa.
67
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Cabo Verde: Jamiro Monteiro comes on for Laros Duarte.
64
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Nico González comes on for Thiago Almada.
63
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Argentina after Diney Borges concedes.
63
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Julián Alvarez comes on for Lautaro Martínez.
63
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Vozinha from Cabo Verde saves a right-footed shot from Lionel Messi in the center of the box. Messi was assisted by Lautaro Martínez with a through ball.
59
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Deroy Duarte scores for Cabo Verde with a right-footed shot from a tough angle on the right. The match is now 1-1.
58
Update Update
Cristian Romero commits a foul for Argentina.
58
Update Update
Laros Duarte from Cabo Verde wins a free kick in the defensive half.
54
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Deroy Duarte from Cabo Verde has a left-footed shot from outside the box, but Emiliano Martínez from Argentina saves it in the bottom right corner.
53
Update Update
Thiago Almada commits a foul for Argentina.
53
Update Update
Steven Moreira from Cabo Verde is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
50
Update Update
Lautaro Martínez commits a foul for Argentina.
50
Update Update
Pico Lopes from Cabo Verde wins a free kick in the defensive half.
50
Attempt Attempt
Ryan Mendes from Cabo Verde misses the attempt with a right-footed shot from outside the box, sending it high and wide to the left. The shot was assisted by Laros Duarte, who provided a headed pass.
49
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde is awarded a corner after Rodrigo De Paul concedes.
49
Attempt Attempt
Jovane Cabral from Cabo Verde has a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it is blocked.
48
Corner Corner
Cabo Verde is awarded a corner after Nahuel Molina concedes.
46
Update Update
The second half begins with the score at Argentina 1, Cabo Verde 0.
45
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Enzo Fernández's right-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner by Vozinha.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 4 minutes of added time.
45
Update Update
Foul committed by Lionel Messi (Argentina).
45
Update Update
Sidny Cabral from Cabo Verde wins a free kick in the defensive half.
43
Update Update
Diney Borges commits a foul for Cabo Verde.
43
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
43
Update Update
Lautaro Martínez commits a foul for Argentina.
43
Update Update
Vozinha from Cabo Verde is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
42
Update Update
Enzo Fernández wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
42
Update Update
Deroy Duarte commits a foul for Cabo Verde.
41
Update Update
Offside called against Argentina. Facundo Medina is the player caught offside.
40
Update Update
Thiago Almada wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
40
Update Update
Foul committed by Deroy Duarte of Cabo Verde.
36
Update Update
Nahuel Molina is caught offside for Argentina.
32
Update Update
Nahuel Molina commits a foul for Argentina.
32
Update Update
Jovane Cabral from Cabo Verde wins a free kick in the defensive half.
29
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Argentina leads Cabo Verde 1-0. Lionel Messi scores for Argentina with a left-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box into the top right corner, assisted by Lisandro Martínez's through ball.
27
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
25
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
18
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Lionel Messi's left-footed shot from outside the box is saved.
17
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
17
Update Update
Foul committed by Jovane Cabral of Cabo Verde.
15
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Lionel Messi (Argentina) had a left-footed shot from the left side of the box.
10
Update Update
Cristian Romero commits a foul for Argentina.
10
Update Update
Jovane Cabral from Cabo Verde wins a free kick in the attacking half.
7
Attempt Attempt
Ryan Mendes from Cabo Verde has a left-footed shot from the right side of the box, but it is blocked. The attempt was assisted by Diney Borges.
4
Update Update
Rodrigo De Paul commits a foul for Argentina.
4
Update Update
Sidny Cabral from Cabo Verde wins a free kick on the left wing.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Drew Fischer.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion the match between Argentina and Cape Verde Islands demonstrated the importance of expected goals in predicting results as the 3-2 score reflected the 2.07 to 0.58 xG split accurately. Argentina's possession advantage and overall dominance translated into victory without any red card incidents distorting the flow. The significant deviation noted pre-match proved accurate with the stronger team emerging triumphant. Efficiency remained consistent allowing for a smooth progression from halftime lead to final success. This outcome reinforces how underlying data can provide reliable insights into team performances even when the scoreline appears close. The event impacts from second half adjustments were pivotal in sealing the result for Argentina.

Argentina vs Cape Verde Islands preview with tactical analysis, xG context, lineup signals, and data-backed betting insights for faster decisions.

Use this page as a quick-read snapshot first, then continue to deep stats and methodology references below.

About BestPreviews Methodology & FAQ More Match Reports

How We Build This Analysis

BestPreviews combines tactical context, lineup quality, xG trends, and form data across competitions. Read the full methodology and FAQ.

Related Football Previews

Explore League Previews

World Cup, World View all league clusters View methodology and FAQ

Author

Daniels Zorge

Daniels Zorge covers football fixtures with a focus on tactical matchups, playing styles, and key details that shape each game.