"Argentina is ready for Netherlands man-marking Lionel Messi", says Scaloni
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says they are ready for Louis Van Gaal's tactics to stop Lionel Messi ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash.
beat Australia in the last-16 round and will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Reports in the
Netherlandssuggest Van Gaal is considering man-marking Lionel Messi but Scaloni said they are ready for his tactics.
He said:
"We are used to our opponents coming up with something different. We will see but, during the match, there are always modifications, and that’s something we are likely to do as well.
"Let's wait and see but we have played matches before when there has been man-marking on Leo."
Scaloni also said Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Di Maria are doubtful for tomorrow’s game.
"Today we have the last training session so we will see how they feel," he said. "Rodrigo trained on Wednesday so let's see what happens in today's session. Angel also trained so we will decide later today.”
Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister also told reporters that the Netherlands is a great team but they have their own weapons.
"If you would have told me this [how influential he has become] before the World Cup I would have signed up for it, for sure,"
he said.
"It has been a fast integration but the credit for that goes to my colleagues and the technical staff."
He added:
"We know they have great players, and a very clear style, but we have our own weapons and will try to counter theirs.
"There is a great history between the sides but if we do things right everything will be fine."
The last time the Netherlands and Argentina went against each other was in the semi-final at the 2014
World Cupwhen Argentina won the game on penalties after a goalless draw.
Mac Allister also praised Van Gaal and said Argentinian players respect the 71-year-old manager.
"I remember watching that game with my family at home,"
he said.
"I enjoyed it and now I am here. Being able to play these matches is a great joy.
"We know he's a top coach, world renowned, and there is a great deal of respect from everyone in our camp, including me. His teams always have variation but with a clear idea. We are up against a great team."
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