Scaloni denies Argentina are feeling pressure of being favourites
"This team has been playing as a favourite for several years and has always played well. But when things aren't going your way, you fight, with grit, determination... and this team has that,”
SYDNEY - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed the idea that his team is feeling the pressure of being among the top favourites to win the World Cup, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
"This team has been playing as a favourite for several years and has always played well. But when things aren't going your way, you fight, with grit, determination... and this team has that,” he said in a news conference on Monday.
"You can play better, but if you don't, if you don't have that, you're out.”
Defending champions Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday in the last 16, but they only advanced following a hard-fought victory over Cape Verde after extra-time.
"The players are feeling the effects of the large number of matches they've played this year, but Argentina's level is acceptable. We're satisfied. There are things to correct, but it's better when you win,” Scaloni said.
The coach added that superstar Lionel Messi is fit and ready to start the game.
"He's doing well, even though he played 120 minutes (against Cape Verde) at the age of 39. He'll play again,” Scaloni said.
Messi has scored seven goals at the tournament so far, tied with France's Kylian Mbappé and Norway star Erling Haaland. - BERNAMA
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