Argentina's coach issues warning ahead of World Cup quarter-finals
· Yahoo Sports
After two not-so-easy wins against two underdogs, Argentina should not underestimate Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-final under any circumstances, the coach of the defending champions said on Friday.
"There are no easy opponents, we all know that. For me, Switzerland is an outstanding team," coach Lionel Scaloni said. The opponent would "always fight," he said. Scaloni said he believes the Swiss have "very experienced players" and are "really a tough opponent."
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Even so, the defending champions, led by World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi, go into the match as clear favourites. The game is scheduled in the Midwest city for Saturday at 8 pm (Sunday at 0300 GMT) and will be played at the home stadium of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.
Messi's team struggled in the first two knockout rounds against Cape Verde and Egypt.
Scaloni said he had no concerns that Messi, 39, could suffer physical problems in his sixth match of this supersized World Cup of 48 teams.
"He is fit. He has a fitness coach," the team coach said.
Messi is also not running any less at this tournament than before, Scaloni stressed. "It is as always, he is always ready and the team supports him a lot."
Scaloni is not at all surprised by Messi’s phenomenal performances at the striker's sixth World Cup.
"I think he remains the best - if he wants to," the 48-year-old said. "Of course there will come a time when he stops. But until then he wants to remain the best."