Lionel Scaloni will celebrate his 100th match as Argentina coach on Friday at the World Cup but preferred to talk about surprise opponents Cape Verde than the personal milestone.
"They haven't lost a match. They should have won against Saudi Arabia (0-0). They defended very well against Spain (0-0) and Urguay (2-2)," Scaloni said in praise of the African debutants ahead of the last 32 match.
"We must respect them - and we will do that," he vowed.
The former Lazio and Deportivo player Scaloni was originally an interim solution in 2018 but now has been in charge for eight years, highlighted by the 2022 World Cup triumph and Copa America success in 2021 and 2024.
He has won 72 of his 99 matches, drawn 18 and lost just nine defeats.
Veteran Rodrigo de Paul was among the players who were part of the big titles and he praised on Scaloni on Thursday for getting the best out of them.
"The most important thing is that we are not only footballers. We are human beings who play football. Behind every footballer is a person who has to deal with a lot of emotions - from joy to disappointment," De Paul said.
"If someone like our coach recognises that then you feel you are in a safer and more comfortable place. Then it is easier for you to contribute all your strength and positive attributes."
