Lionel Scaloni has seen enough of this World Cup to know one thing for certain that nobody has it easy. Not even Argentina .
Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of the reigning world champions' Round of 16 clash against Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, Scaloni delivered a sharp and honest assessment of a tournament that has repeatedly humbled its biggest names.
"I think this World Cup is proving to be difficult for everyone," Scaloni said. "There isn't one truly dominant team. France seemed strong, and they still are, but they struggled against Paraguay. Spain struggled until the very end. No team has maintained the form they showed before the World Cup. The players, who have played many matches, are feeling it."
The words carried weight coming from a coach whose team has won all four of their matches at this tournament. Argentina topped Group J with victories against Algeria, Austria and Jordan, before surviving a genuine scare against Cape Verde in the Round of 32, needing an agonising 111th-minute own goal in extra time to advance 3-2 in Miami.
Scaloni acknowledged that Argentina have things to fix, while still backing his side to go all the way. "Our level is acceptable. We won all four matches, and that's something to be satisfied with. As always, there are things to correct," he said. "This team has been a candidate for years wherever it goes, and has always played well even when things don't work out."
On Lionel Messi , Scaloni was reassuring. The 39-year-old played 120 minutes against Cape Verde and came through without any issues. "Leo is fine. He didn't report any issues, despite playing 120 minutes the other day at the age of 39," the coach confirmed.
Egypt, however, will not be taken lightly. Scaloni was quick to recognise the threat of Mohamed Salah , who faces Argentina for the very first time in his career on Tuesday. "Salah is a great player. It will be a pleasure to face him. This team has faced great players before, and we have always taken precautions at a collective level," he added.
The winner of Tuesday's match will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals . Argentina are the favourites. Scaloni, as always, is taking nothing for granted.
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