►►Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said on Sunday that his players have self belief in their ability to beat world champions Argentina in their Copa America semifinal.
New Jersey | Canada ranks the 48th and Argentina first in FIFA’s current world rankings, but that means little as they prepare for Tuesday’s match in New Jersey.
« We know how good Argentina is because we played against them, » Marsch said of his team’s 2-0 loss to the Albiceleste in the group stage.
« But we also had success in certain moments. I said after the match that we probably had to play a perfect game and even then it might not have been enough. But we’re certainly not afraid, » Marsch said. « They’ve only lost twice in five years. [Lionel] Messi is the best player to have ever played the game. But we believe we have a chance and that’s the way we’re preparing ourselves. »
Both sides advanced to the competition’s last four by winning their respective quarterfinals on penalties. Argentina overcame Ecuador 4-2 in their shootout after the scores were locked at 1-1, while Canada prevailed 4-3 against Venezuela, also following a 1-1 scoreline at the end of 90 minutes.
Marsch said he expects the South American giants to raise their game to another level as the stakes increase in the continental tournament.
« It’s helpful that we’ve already played against Argentina, so it’s less of an unknown, » he said. « But the closer good teams get to titles, the more they’re able to kick themselves into another gear. So, I expect Argentina to deliver their best performance yet on Tuesday. »
by Xinhua
