ATLANTA, July 07 (v7n) – Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has called for teams to be given additional rest during the latter stages of the World Cup, as the defending champions brace for a demanding knockout schedule that could see them play five matches in just 17 days if they reach the final.
The packed fixture list places extra strain on 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who has already scored seven goals in Argentina’s four wins so far. The Albiceleste were pushed to their limits on Friday, needing extra time to edge past Cape Verde 3-2 in sweltering Miami heat, leaving several players with cramp.
"As you get closer to the end, with more matches played, you need more rest, yet the opposite is happening," Scaloni said during his pre-match press conference. "We played in Miami the other day in that heat and now we're playing tomorrow at noon. The rest period isn't ideal."
Argentina face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, with a potential quarter-final against Colombia or Switzerland awaiting them. Scaloni noted that Egypt have had slightly more recovery time and stressed that rest becomes increasingly critical as the tournament progresses.
Despite the scare from Cape Verde, who twice came from behind before Diney Borges' 111th-minute own goal settled the tie, Scaloni believes the unique conditions of this World Cup—spread across three countries, 16 host cities, various time zones, and diverse climates—are leveling the playing field.
"This World Cup is challenging—the travel, the heat, the pitches," he said. "There are many factors preventing any single team from clearly standing out as the overwhelming favorite, even though the usual favorites remain. No one team has pulled significantly ahead of the pack, but ultimately the usual contenders will make it to the end."
Scaloni confirmed Messi is fit to start despite playing the full 120 minutes just four days ago. Leandro Paredes is expected to come into the side, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to push into a more advanced role.
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