De Paul Warns Argentina Not to Overlook Cape Verde After 3 Straight World Cup Wins
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 3
De Paul Warns Argentina Not to Overlook Cape Verde After 3 Straight World Cup Wins
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 3
Summary
Rodrigo de Paul told Argentina to treat Friday's round-of-32 match with Cape Verde as their "last one," urging teammates not to look beyond the immediate knockout test.
Germany and the Netherlands have already been dumped out on penalty shootouts by Paraguay and Morocco, giving Argentina a fresh warning about complacency in the knockout stage.
Argentina enter as defending champions after winning all 3 Group J games, scoring 8 goals and conceding 1, with Lionel Messi captaining the side and netting 6 times.
De Paul, rested in the 3-1 win over Jordan after starting against Algeria and Austria, said senior players are reminding younger teammates that every appearance for Argentina must be treated as if it could be the last.
Cape Verde's coach Bubista has already said his side can "hurt" Argentina, underscoring the upset threat facing the tournament favorites in Miami.