New York, July 3 -- Cabo Verde has already achieved more than almost anyone expected at this World Cup, reaching the round of 32 unbeaten to set up a meeting with Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina in Miami.
The gap between the two teams could hardly be wider. Three-time champion Argentina is the world's second-ranked side, led by an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner chasing his 20th World Cup goal.
Cabo Verde is making its World Cup debut and, with a population of just over 500,000 people and a land area of about 4,000 square kilometers, is the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament's knockout stage. Ranked 64th in the world by FIFA, Cabo Verde's progress has been built on discipline, a clear sense of identity and self-belie...