Soccer
Argentina’s scare against Cape Verde at the World Cup will ensure Lionel Scaloni’s side won’t underestimate Egypt in their last 16 clash, so says midfielder Leandro Paredes.
The Atlanta Stadium is the venue for Argentina’s tussle with Egypt for a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals, but the Albiceleste were put through their paces in order to get there.
Lionel Messi had given Argentina a 29th minute lead, but tournament debutants Cape Verde hit back through Deroy Duarte just before the hour to stun the defending champions.
Argentina then took the lead in extra time when Lisandro Martinez finished past Vozinha, only for a stunning finish by Sidny Cabral to level things up once more.
Scaloni’s men eventually got themselves over the line when Diney Borges turned into his own net to help Argentina seal their 10th extra-time win at the World Cup.
This is the first ever World Cup meeting between Argentina and Egypt, with Hossam Hassan’s team beating Australia in the last round, and Paredes acknowledged that his team were wary of their opponents coming into the game.
“The lesson is that there will not be any easy game, as will happen with Egypt,” Paredes said.
“After our late goal against Cape Verde, what did the coach tell us? Scaloni did not say ‘they don’t play any more’, but to give their best and keep trying, pressing.
“That we leave everything until the end.”
#SelecciónMayor ¡Última práctica! Ahí vamos de nuevo por otro paso más #TodosJuntos pic.twitter.com/gIQ2U52qpU
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 6, 2026
Argentina have won each of their last eight World Cup matches against African nations, including two in 2026 (3-0 against Algeria and 3-2 against Cape Verde).
No side in the competition’s history has ever won three games against African opponents in a single edition before.
Defending champions have also won each of their last five round of 16 matches at the World Cup, with Italy acting as the only title-holder to go out at this stage, doing so in 1986 when they lost 2-0 against France.
Paredes, who played five times for Argentina in their title-winning campaign four years ago, has started just one game for his nation this time around, but said he would be ready when called upon by Scaloni.
“If I see myself as a starter? I always see myself inside. The coach makes the decisions and decides by eleven,” Paredes added.
“We must give everything and be willing. We want to give our best version, always. You can’t always do it, you suffered and you could win.
“The fatigue we have is normal, the grass had an influence. We are in good shape footballing and mentally. There is no easy game, like against Cape Verde.
“Winning was the most important thing and we were able to do it.”
Should Argentina progress, either Colombia or Switzerland await in the last eight, with a potential date against England or Norway in the semi-finals to follow.
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