Argentina’s boss Lionel Scaloni has urged his team not to underestimate ‘tough opponent’ Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32. The defending champions won all of their three group stage matches after a 3-1 win against Jordan on Saturday.

Earlier, Argentina bested Algeria by 3-0 and defeated Austria by 2-0, with Lionel Messi scoring all five goals. Meanwhile, Cape Verde registered a hard-fought goalless draw against European champions Spain in their opening match of the tournament, with their goalkeeper Vozinha making seven saves.

Cape Verde finished second in Group H behind Spain but above Saudi Arabia and two-time World Cup winners Uruguay.

“Cape Verde didn’t surprise me, because it’s a good team,” Scaloni said after Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan on Saturday night.

“It’s a tough opponent, one that already made things difficult for Spain, one of the favorites, as well as for Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. It’s a fast team with quality.”

Guiliano Simeone said they will focus on themselves, as every opponent is tough in the World Cup.

“We always focus on ourselves, any opponent is tough,” Guiliano Simeone said after Argentina’s win over Jordan. “We have to try to do maximum damage to the opponent with our best weapons.”

Lautaro Martínez, who scored his first World Cup goal against Jordan from a spot kick, said the team was able to achieve their first goal, which was to qualify for the round of 32.

“We achieved the first goal, which is to advance to the next round, and now we’re going for more,” Lautaro Martínez said. “Starting tomorrow, we’ll prepare for the match against Cape Verde.”

Argentina, the Group J winners, will face first-time World Cup qualifiers Cape Verde in the round of 32.