Argentina will analyse how Brazil plays - Martinez

Argentina rested key players in its 4-0 win over Iraq as they kept one eye on Tuesday's clash with rival Brazil in Saudi Arabia.

Published : Oct 12, 2018 09:21 IST

Argentina and Inter forward Lautaro Martinez
Argentina and Inter forward Lautaro Martinez
lightbox-info

Argentina and Inter forward Lautaro Martinez

Lautaro Martinez said that Argentina would analyse Brazil's performance against Saudi Arabia ahead of a clash with its fierce rival on Tuesday.

Argentina, now unbeaten in three games following a disappointing World Cup, will face the Selecao on the back of a 4-0 victory over Iraq that saw Martinez open his international account on his full debut.

The Inter forward headed home after 18 minutes in Riyadh, where Argentina dominated throughout and extended its lead via second-half goals from Roberto Pereyra, German Pezzella and Franco Cervi.

READ: Bale unlikely to face Ireland, says Giggs

As well as giving Martinez his first start for Argentina, caretaker coach Lionel Scaloni fielded an inexperienced side in the absence of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero.

Martinez told reporters: "These players are growing in confidence to match their teammates. It is important to score on my debut. It is important to win to gain confidence and keep improving."

"We are coming up against a very difficult rival: Brazil. We have to keep working so we can give our best. Tomorrow, we will see and analyse how Brazil plays."

ALSO READ:  Dalic: English press didn't respect Croatia at World Cup

Iraq coach Srecko Katanec said his players lacked fitness after seeing them fall away towards the end of his second game in charge.

A 2-2 draw with Kuwait in Katanec's first game as coach had offered Iraq some hope of a positive display against more illustrious opposition, but it was pinned back for long periods in either half.

"Clearly we are behind physically. The guys need to work on their physical preparation. We need to be 30 per cent better than we are now," said Katanec.

ALSO READ:  France 2 Iceland 2: Mbappe inspires late comeback to spare world champion's blushes

"The first half was not so bad defensively, they scored a goal where there was no chance and they didn't create any clear chances in the first half."

"We stayed too far from their players and we were not aggressive enough. If you are not physically prepared then you may be afraid, and maybe, we showed too much respect."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment