Even as the reigning world champions, Argentina isn’t taking anything for granted as the World Cup knockout rounds heat up.
Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul has issued a stern warning to his teammates, insisting they cannot afford to look past their high-stakes Round of 32 clash against underdog Cape Verde on Friday, News.Az reports, citing ESPN.
Argentina enters the match as heavy favorites after completely dominating Group J, tearing through Algeria, Austria, and Jordan while scoring eight goals and conceding just one. Lionel Messi has been in spectacular form, leading the tournament charge with six goals already under his belt.
However, the tournament has already proven that no giant is safe. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have already been sent packing in shocking penalty shootout upsets by Paraguay and Morocco.
De Paul, who sat out Sunday’s 3-1 win over Jordan to rest, is making sure the younger players on the squad stay grounded and don’t let the early success get to their heads.
“It would be a mistake to think beyond Friday’s game,” De Paul said. “Tomorrow’s game is the last one—that’s how I’m looking at it. And I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it isn’t the last one.”
For the Inter Miami midfielder, the mindset is all about survival and respect for the jersey.
“We tell the young players that every time we put on this jersey, it could be the last time, and it’s up to us to make sure it isn’t,” De Paul added. “We’re not going to hold anything back, no matter the competition or the opponent.”
News.Az
By Aysel Mammadzada
