Cape Verde manager Pedro Leitao Brito believes his team can hurt World Champions Argentina in the round of 32 clash at the World Cup. The reigning champions will enter the contest as heavy favorites, but Cape Verde would look to stage an upset.

Earlier in the group stage, the African nation played a goalless draw against European Champions, Spain and were able to hold the opposition with their brilliant defending, with goalkeeper Vozinha making seven saves.

“There’s belief and conviction and that’s very helpful,” Pedro Leitao Brito  said.

“We will play with courage. We will be bold and fight for the qualification. We want the players to enjoy the match, but to be focused and do everything to go to the next phase.

“Of course, we believe. We believe in ourselves and our strengths, our players and our team. We know this will be a very difficult game, but we can hurt our opponent. We are brave and ambitious and we will play to win.”

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has been in top-notch form, scoring six goals in three Group stage matches, and he is going to be the biggest threat for Cape Verde. However, Brito said they have their plans in place not only for Messi but for the whole Argentine team.

“We as a team have our own strategy, not only against Messi but the whole team,” he said.

“They are the current world champions and one of the best teams in the tournament. We will play against the whole team. We know Messi is one of the best players in the world, but we play against the whole team.”

Cape Verde was able to qualify for the knockout stage after three draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.