(AFP) - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried to relieve pressure on his team, which many are recommending to go far in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and considered that "nothing is guaranteed in football."
The Argentine national team, which will face its UAE counterpart in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday before traveling to the Qatari capital, Doha, remains unbeaten for 35 matches.
Scaloni (44 years), who led Argentina to win its first major title in 28 years in the “Copa America” last year, announced a list of 26 players led by star Lionel Messi on Friday.
"We have no pressure because in the end this is football. We will play the World Cup," Scaloni told reporters in the UAE capital.
Argentina will start its World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22, in a group that also includes Mexico and Poland.
"We know what football represents to Argentina, but it's a sport and that's why we have to step on the pitch and do what we have to do."
"We have to go out and play the way we know how. Then there are a lot of unknowns," Scaloni explained.
Scaloni recalled the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, when Argentina, the defending champions twice, were knocked out in the group stage.
"Despite the disappointment of the loss, people still realize that the team was one of the best and that they did not deserve to be eliminated from the World Cup," he said.
Scaloni expressed his optimism that the Italian striker, Paulo Dybala, would return to his readiness in time for the start of the Qatar World Cup after a hamstring injury.
Regarding the opening match against Saudi Arabia, Scaloni indicated his "good knowledge of the Saudi national team," adding, "We saw them a few days ago against Panama. It is a very good team, technically strong, with fast players similar to the UAE national team. They will make the match difficult for us, as it is also our first." in the world Cup".