NEW JERSEY, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said on Sunday that his players have self belief in their ability to beat world champions Argentina in their Copa America semifinal.
Canada ranks the 48th and Argentina first in FIFA's current world rankings, but that means little as they prepare for Tuesday's match in New Jersey.
"We know how good Argentina is because we played against them," Marsch said of his team's 2-0 loss to the Albiceleste in the group stage.
"But we also had success in certain moments. I said after the match that we probably had to play a perfect game and even then it might not have been enough. But we're certainly not afraid," Marsch said. "They've only lost twice in five years. [Lionel] Messi is the best player to have ever played the game. But we believe we have a chance and that's the way we're preparing ourselves."
Both sides advanced to the competition's last four by winning their respective quarterfinals on penalties. Argentina overcame Ecuador 4-2 in their shootout after the scores were locked at 1-1, while Canada prevailed 4-3 against Venezuela, also following a 1-1 scoreline at the end of 90 minutes.
Marsch said he expects the South American giants to raise their game to another level as the stakes increase in the continental tournament.
"It's helpful that we've already played against Argentina, so it's less of an unknown," he said. "But the closer good teams get to titles, the more they're able to kick themselves into another gear. So, I expect Argentina to deliver their best performance yet on Tuesday." ■
