After knocking out at Brazil in a penalty shootout to make it through to the semi-finals of the Copa América, Paraguay coach Ramón Díaz was adamant that his side would not go down without a fight against their next opponents Argentina. “We know we’re up against a great side, but we’ll put up a fight. Argentina are the best national side in the world. We know them well and we’re going to make life as difficult as possible for them,” he explained as Paraguay will be looking to reach their second successive Copa América final.
Of all the qualities his next opponents possess, the former River Plate coach was clear that he could not afford to switch off with Leo Messi on the pitch: “What can I say? He’s the best in the world.” ‘El Pelado’ also went on to say that every team that reaches the semi-finals deserves respect and insisted that maximum concentration was required to beat the World Cup runners-up. “Beautiful moments don’t last long and we’re thinking about what’s coming up,” he said in reference to his side’s famous victory over Brazil.