. Despite failing to close a two goal lead against Paraguay, Argentina manager Tata Martino insists that his side will continue to play attacking football when they meet leaders Uruguay in Group B clash later today.
Argentina manager Tata Martino claimed that his side played the best and worst football of the Copa America in their 2-2 draw with Paraguay on Saturday, but says will not compromise their attacking instincts that saw them blow the two goal cushion as they prepare for a crucial tie with Uruguay on Tuesday.
Argentinaa s shaky defensive display in the second half has raised doubts about their ability to produce a title-winning performance in Chile, where they are chasing a first major championship in 22 years.
Martino was criticised for sending on strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez with Argentina clinging on to a 2-1 lead in their opening Copa America clash, as the Los Albiceleste were frustrated by a late equaliser from Lucas Barrios.
Offering his opinion on the criticism, Martino told reporters in the pre-match press conference on Monday: “Would I do the same thing again? It’s very difficult to give that answer now.”
“You have a moment to decide. I have a clear idea of the risks, when to take them, when it is convenient and when it is not, and I decided that the quality of Tevez and Higuain could decide the game in our favour.
“The tendency will always be to take risks.”
While admitting that Argentina should have taken advantage of their 2-0 lead, Martino said that all was not gloom and doom for the Los Albiceleste:
“The first half against Paraguay wasn’t just good,” he said. “It was very good. We are being judged on our second half and not the first and that is our fault: in the first half we played probably the best football of the first round of the Copa America and in the second half we played the worst
“The first half was the best of my time in charge and that helps you to draw conclusions. We could have won 5-2 or 5-3.”
Group leaders Uruguay are next up and Martino said: “It’s a Clasico, a very important match. Uruguay have had a great cycle ever since the World Cup in South Africa and they can adapt to several different ways of playing.”
“Their success has been built largely on the quality of Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani. Forlan is no longer here and Suarez is out, so they are important absences, but Uruguay are always competitive and for us it will be fundamental to control the ball in midfield.”
Lionel Messi had also issued a rallying cry to his team mates as Argentina approach what is a must win game. A loss or a draw could leave them with big, big problems and a potential disastrous group stage exit.
