HOUSTON, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador manager Felix Sanchez showered praise on Argentina counterpart Lionel Scaloni ahead of the teams' Copa America quarterfinal here on Thursday.
The 48-year-old Spaniard said he felt privileged to be pitted against the man he credits for masterminding Argentina's 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup triumphs.
"Scaloni has built something with which he has made history," Sanchez told reporters late on Wednesday.
"It's a team that, as a spectator, is great to watch. It is an honor to be able to play against a team of this level."
Ecuador have won just five of their past 40 encounters against the Albiceleste, with their last victory coming in a World Cup qualifier nine years ago.
Sanchez said the possible absence of Lionel Messi because of an adductor injury did not necessarily make the task of overcoming Argentina any easier.
"Obviously, he is a player who makes a difference," Sanchez said. "We have played against them with him and without him. The way they play does not change because they have managed to create a solid group and a very defined playing style that can be tweaked depending on the situation. We have to be prepared for any possibility and, based on that, adjust."
Sanchez suggested that Ecuador could try something different at NRG Stadium in a bid to surprise Argentina.
"We have to try to compete in the best way against a team that is difficult to score goals against," he said. "They are very solid and have many offensive variables.
"Something has to be changed to try to go toe to toe with them. Our last few matches against Argentina have been closely fought encounters. But now we know that we have to win to advance and our aim is to give ourselves every chance to do that." ■
