Argentina is looking to continue their great start to the FIFA World Cup. However, Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez is not expecting an easy fight against Austria in the second match of the group stage.
According to him, Austria's aggressive football in the midfield could become a big challenge for Argentina.
The two teams will face each other in Dallas at 11 pm Bangladesh time on Monday. Both teams have three points after winning their first match in Group 'J'. The current world champion Argentina is at the top with a goal difference.
Austria started their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win against Jordan. Their dominant presence in the midfield in that match caught the attention of everyone. Fernandez is wary of this area of strength of the opponent.
He said in the pre-match press conference, “I think they will play attacking football and will be very aggressive in the midfield. But we have been working on how to play all week. Hopefully, we can successfully implement that plan on the field.”
Chelsea star Fernandez was in the starting XI of Argentina, in which they defeated Algeria 3-0. In that match, he was seen playing a little lower than his usual position. In this regard, he said that the needs of the team and the coach's instructions are the most important for him.
Fernandez said, "I try to play the role that the coach tells me to play. I have played in this position before and I feel comfortable. Our style of play is very flexible, which is one of the strengths of the team."
At the same time, the 25-year-old midfielder also highlighted the issue of competition for a place in the team. According to him, no one in the Argentina team can consider themselves a guaranteed player in XI.
He said, "The coach decides who will play. Whenever I get the opportunity, I try to give my best for the country. That is my goal."
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
