World Cup: It’s 11 v 11, there are no favourites, says Argentina’s Scaloni

DOHA – Argentina are hot favourites to beat Australia on Saturday in pursuit of Lionel Messi’s dream of winning a first World Cup.

But, more than anyone, they have learnt not to take underdogs for granted, especially the hard-battling Socceroos.

Argentina suffered one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history with their opening defeat by Saudi Arabia, but recovered to swagger past Mexico and Poland into the last 16 as Group C winners.

Australia, ranked 35 places below world No. 3 Argentina, have already surpassed expectations in winning twice to earn their place at Qatar’s Ahmad bin Ali Stadium for one of the biggest games in their history.

Having already lost to an Asian team, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was understandably wary of Australia’s threat when he spoke to the media on Friday, a day after Japan stunned Spain 2-1 in Group E.

“The game is going to be difficult, not because it’s an Asian team, but because it’s a great team,” he said.

“Australia is a good team, it’s football, and it’s 11 against 11. We have to put aside the favourites tag and just play.

“They have good players, midfielders with experience and good levels and, above all, they are a team.

“When you face a group of players who know what they want to achieve, it is difficult.

“Now it’s all or nothing, I hope we do well. We must let the Argentinians know that we are going to drop every last drop of sweat and we are going to compete.”

Overjoyed and exhausted after reaching the knockout stage for only the second time, Australia will have to play the game of their lives to overcome an Argentina side oozing talent.

They will be relying on the same fitness, muscle and never-say-die attitude that saw off Tunisia and Denmark, epitomised by hulking defender Harry Souttar, who has played out of his skin despite just returning from a lengthy layoff.

“Australia? I think the game will be similar to that against Poland where we will have the ball but they will have very fast players,” said Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.

“When we are attacking, we will also need to think about defending.

“I think the loss against Saudi Arabia helped us in many things. Tomorrow there are no excuses, the team has to go out and do it.”

Scaloni’s side will again be roared on by an enormous following, as Argentinians show themselves to be easily the loudest and possibly the largest fan base in Qatar.

Forward Angel di Maria was taken off as a precaution against Poland and is a doubt to play alongside Messi, though Scaloni has plenty of attacking options to throw at the Australians.

Besides Lautaro Martinez, young Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is pushing for another start after scoring against Poland.

Precocious Benfica talent Enzo Fernandez also made a goalscoring entrance off the bench against Mexico with a contender for Goal of the Tournament.

He then celebrated his first start for his country by setting up Alvarez in the Poland game.

In defence, two clean sheets after the 2-1 loss to the Saudis attest to Argentina’s defensive solidity while midfielder de Paul has improved with every match.

Reaching the quarter-finals would be dreamland for Australia, but for Argentina it is a bare minimum national expectation as they seek a third World Cup trophy.

Messi, on his fifth and final quest to win the World Cup and match his great predecessor Diego Maradona in the No. 10 shirt, is enjoying a harmony with fans like never before.

He will be relishing the chance to delight them further against Australia. REUTERS, AFP