Argentina face Austria in World Cup opener Sunday

Your World Cup opener against Austria is Sunday

The defending champions start their tournament in Kansas City against Austria (1) (2). Argentina 0–0 in tournament openers after winning a World Cup on both prior occasions, 1982 against Belgium, 1990 against Cameroon. That is the weight Messi and Scaloni carry into tomorrow.

The Austrian weakness, according to David Mayr

Austria are organized under Ralf Rangnick, but journalist David Mayr pointed to a specific fragility: pressure (1). "They want to play with the ball, but when the opponent applies high pressure, they struggle," Mayr said. Argentina's front line, with Messi pulling the strings, is built exactly for that. Mayr also noted Austria lack a pure goalscorer (1).

Bubista would love a shot at Argentina

Cape Verde manager Bubista said his side would be happy to draw Argentina in the second round (3). "First, we want to qualify. Then we see the opponent. Obviously we would be satisfied. First to advance, and then if we have that luck of meeting Argentina, a team almost every Cape Verdean adores," Bubista told reporters Sunday (3).

Vozinha is Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper and a focal point in training this week (4). If both groups go to form, that second-round matchup is real.

The cycling fans who made it to Kansas City

Three supporters from Gualeguaychú cycled over 17,000 kilometers to reach Kansas City. They are there. Argentina's opening match will have its soundtrack.