Cape Verde's World Cup magic has Italy great Materazzi spellbound

MIAMI, June 28 : Italy's 2006 World Cup hero Marco Materazzi has been stunned by Cape Verde's fairytale debut at the 2026 edition, calling the African nation the biggest surprise of the tournament.

The Cape Verde islanders, one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for a World Cup, have enchanted fans with an unbeaten group stage run featuring three draws that saw them advance in second place behind former champions Spain and ahead of Uruguay.

The team, led by inspirational goalkeeper Vozinha, have earned a dream match-up in last 32, with the African side set to play reigning champions Argentina in Miami on Friday.

"Cape Verde is the big surprise at the moment. Now they have to play against the world champions," Materazzi told Reuters.

"So we will see. We are here in Miami and looking forward to watching the game. (They are the) underdog. But in 90 minutes in football, you never know what can happen."

The 52-year-old former defender was quick to acknowledge the mountain Cape Verde face against Lionel Messi's Argentina, praising the 39-year-old great who continues to defy Father Time and tops the tournament's scoring charts with six goals so far.

"Argentina is much better than Cape Verde at the moment (and they have) one of the best ever players in history," Materazzi added.

"I love Messi when he plays and I'm looking forward to watching him in the game. (Playing at) 39 years old is not easy and he is still one of the best."

'ITALY STOPPED GROWING'

But Cape Verde's presence also serves as a painful reminder for Materazzi of Italy's continued World Cup absence.

The Azzurri have missed out on the last three World Cup tournaments while the last time they reached the knockout stage was when Materazzi scored in their triumphant 2006