03/07/2026 09:09 - Deportes
July 3, 2026 - World Cup 2026
The Argentine National Team, the reigning world champions affectionately known as La Scaloneta (a nickname derived from their head coach, Lionel Scaloni), is preparing with massive excitement for their Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup. On July 3 at 19:00, the squad will face one of the tournament's biggest surprises: the Cape Verde national team.
This African island nation, located off the coast of West Africa and with a population of barely 500,000 people, has become the smallest country to reach this stage in 96 years of World Cup history. They qualified second in Group H completely undefeated, securing three memorable draws against powerhouse teams like Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, remarkably eliminating Uruguay in the process.
According to the analysis of former footballer Diego Latorre, Spain struggled to move the ball when facing a team that compresses massively in their own half. The key for Argentina will be passing speed and using the full width of the pitch, just as Spain did with their left-back Cucurella.
Passing between the lines will be fundamental, and that is exactly where Lionel Messi shines, possessing the unique ability to read the play's speed to receive the ball on his strong foot and generate danger between defenders and midfielders.
Argentina boasts a luxurious bench and an enormous array of options. Players like Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez, and Julián Álvarez will be fundamental. Latorre noted that Álvarez needs to stay calm and become the lucid, clear-headed player he has been in the past. Additionally, options from the bench like Nico González will provide offensive variants to dismantle a tough but beatable opponent if Argentina plays to its potential.
In a heartwarming moment that brought joy to the squad, renowned Argentine rock singer Andrés Calamaro surprised the team during their final practice in Miami, sharing a unique bonding moment before the clash against the Africans.
As reigning world champions, La Scaloneta knows every match is a fresh challenge. With experience, composure, and Messi's magic, Argentina is ready to advance to the Quarter-finals. Let's go Argentina!
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
