Africa the winner of expanded World Cup amid mixed fortunes for minnows

AI Summary

African football teams have had notable success in the expanded World Cup, with Cape Verde securing a match against Argentina. The group stage has seen a high number of decisive victories, reflecting the growing strength of African nations in international football.

Cape Verde have captured the imagination and secured a World Cup showdown with Lionel Messi's Argentina, but they are just part of a success story for African football as the group stages come to a close. There have been eight victories by a four-goal margin in the group stages, just one less than in the entirety of the past three World Cups combined. kca/rcw