Rangnick urges Austria to deliver peak performance against Argentina

KATHMANDU: Austria head coach Austria national football team boss Ralf Rangnick has called on his side to produce a “top-level, courageous and energetic” performance ahead of their crucial World Cup clash against Argentina national football team.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Rangnick acknowledged the presence of global superstar Lionel Messi, but stressed that Argentina are far more than a one-man team.

“Of course, they have the greatest player of all time, but we must prove through this match that we are among the best teams in this World Cup,” Rangnick said. “To do that, we need to be tactically strong, brave, and full of energy.”

He added that Austria may need to deliver their best-ever collective performance under his leadership to compete at this level.

“Argentina is not just Messi. He already showed in the opening game how decisive he can be, but they have quality in every position. We must perform as a complete team,” he added.

The Group Stage encounter is being viewed as a key test for both sides. Argentina opened their campaign with a dominant 3–0 win over Algeria, where Messi scored a hat-trick.

Austria also began strongly, defeating Jordan 3–1.