Defending champion Argentina goes into a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 tie with Egypt on Wedneday (AEST) on the back of a major scare against Cape Verde.

Scaloni's side won all three group games and was rarely tested, but Cape Verde took it to extra-time, and Argentina's eventual 3-2 win was greeted with relief more than celebration.

France was runner-up four years ago, and needed a penalty to overcome Paraguay in the Round of 16, while Spain got past Portugal thanks to a stoppage-time goal, and Brazil and Germany fell at the previous hurdle to Norway and Paraguay respectively.

"I think this World Cup is very tricky for everyone, it seems there is no clear favourite," Scaloni said.

"There are no national teams that, as we used to see before the World Cup, were clear favourites. The conditions are also very different from what we had seen in prior editions.

"And I understand that most players have played a great deal of matches, and that is a lot of games on the legs. And that is why maybe the level is not the one we are used to seeing.

"Beyond the fact that there are four or five main favourites, those teams are not showcasing the football that we would expect before the World Cup."

Despite the drop in standards across the tournament, as Scaloni sees it, he is satisfied with his team's performances so far.

"Argentina's level is acceptable," the manager said.

"We won the four matches, and I think that is a reason to be satisfied. There are always things that we can fine-tune, even when you win.

"This World Cup is difficult. The travel, the heat, the pitches, the grass... sometimes the ball doesn't move well. There are a lot of factors that make it hard to really show your superiority."

When the going gets tough, as it did for Argentina in its last game, Scaloni believes his side will find a way even when not playing well.

"In a match, when things don't go your way or the opponent is making things difficult, then you can resort to grit, to intensity, to the spirit that we have in our DNA," he said.

"And this is something this team has. Then you can play better or worse, but when you can't play well, you need all of that. Otherwise, you're out. I am convinced that if we didn't resort to our character in the last match, we would be out."