Friday’s football tips: Messi 11/8 for an assist as Argentina bid to end Cape Verde fairytale

Cape Verde were supposed to be World Cup whipping boys but they head into tonight's last-32 clash with Argentina having gone unbeaten in their group stage campaign.

A shock stalemate with Spain in their opener was followed by further draws against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to book a slot in the knockout stages.

Now the minnows will be out to cause arguably the biggest upset in World Cup history by toppling world champions Argentina.

Argentina vs Cape Verde top betting tips

Cape Verde's toughest task tonight will probably be keeping Lionel Messi quiet, with the world's greatest player looking in the mood so far.

Winning the World Cup four years ago lifted a weight off the little magician's shoulders and he has netted six times already in this campaign.

That's why Messi is just 4/9 for anytime scorer on the World Cup betting apps but the odds are better for an assist at 11/8 with Bet365.

He has yet to set up a goal at this tournament but has eight World Cup assists to his name across his career.

It's hard finding value on Argentina but backing them for a win to nil with under 3.5 goals pays 11/10 in a bet builder.

Australia vs Egypt

First up at the World Cup tonght is a clash between Australia and Egypt, with the African side looking decent value at 29/20 for a win inside 90 minutes.

The Egyptians went unbeaten across their three group games, drawing with Belgium and Iran either side of a victory over New Zealand.

They look decent at the back and boast plenty of quality in attack, where Manchester City's Omar Marmoush dovetails with Mo Salah.

Australia claimed a shock win over Turkey in their group opener and got over the line with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay.

But they were pretty comfortably beaten by the USA and that makes me think Egypt will see them off tonight.

Salah could come in for some rough treatment and the former Liverpool star is 6/4 at Bet365 to be fouled over 2.5 times.

Colombia vs Ghana

Colombia often come alive at a World Cup and they've impressed so far, pipping Portugal to top spot in Group K.

And a debatable offside call was the only thing that stopped them beating the Portuguese to make it three wins from three.

Ghana showed how tough they are to break down by holding England to a 0-0 draw after beating Panama 1-0 in Group L.

But they then lost to Croatia so that's probably why Bet365 make the Colombians 21/50 hot favourites for a win inside 90 minutes tonight.

I don't think there's that big a gap between the teams and the South Americans may struggle to break down Carlo Quieroz's defence. So I'm going for most goals to come after the break and that pays 11/10 at Bet365.

Thomas Partey will anchor Ghana's midfield and backing him for over 1.5 fouls and over 1.5 tackles pays 11/10 at Bet365.

Super singles

• Lionel Messi assist 11/8 Bet365
• Egypt win in 90 minutes 29/20 Bet365

Bet builder

• Thomas Partey over 1.5 fouls and over 1.5 tackles 11/10 Bet365

Upcoming match previews and betting tips

• Fri 19:00 Australia vs Egypt
• Fri 23:00 Argentina vs Cape Verde
• Sat 02:30 Colombia vs Ghana
• World Cup Dark Horses: Best Outsider Picks
• Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup bet builder

Racing tips

Rizzel has two picks for the meeting at Sandown today as he looks to bag some more winners.

• Friday’s Racing Tips – Back Bill The Bull to Charge Home

As always, leave your own tips and comments below.

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