Everyone is hard to beat at World Cup, says Argentina coach

Doha: The Argentine team coach Lionel Scaloni, after the team's 2-0 win over Poland said that every team is hard to beat at World Cup.

"Every game is hard. We lost to Saudi Arabia. You can lose to a European, African or South American side even if you play well. Some people think Australia will be easy in the next round, but they will be difficult, because everyone is difficult," he said.

He praised striker Julian Alvarez and midfielder Enzo Fernandez after the duo helped the team to beat Poland and move forward to the pre-quarters.

"The boys who have come in today have done well, but we always think about the team," said Scaloni.

"We have 26 players who can play, we have had changes and injuries and it helps knowing that who comes into the side can help. We have alternatives and all of them offer something different."

In the match, Fernandez ran the midfield and offered creativity, as well as setting up Alvarez to score Argentina's second goal.

"We are satisfied with the game. It wasn't easy due to the context of facing a team that would qualify with a draw or a win. The players gave a complete performance and we are happy. Some things don't work out, but the players kept on trying," Scaloni commented, reports Xinhua.

"We have played well today, but just because of that, it doesn't mean we will be world champions," he said.

Argentina will play Australia in the round of 16. Despite the team being clear favourites, Scaloni warned it would be a tougher match than some think.

-IANS Inputs