RIO DE JANEIRO, April 1 (Xinhua) – The following is the reaction of South American national team leaders to the draw of the FIFA World Cup 2022, which was held in Doha on Friday:
TITE, BRAZIL MANAGER
“It is neither the group of death nor of life, each group has a degree of difficulty. Portugal has Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana,” Tite said before alluding to the similarity of 2018, when Brazil was also drawn into the same group as Serbia and Switzerland.
“Everything is the same (like the group 2018). All that was missing was Costa Rica. Serbia and Switzerland eliminated Portugal and Italy (from automatic qualification as a group leader). In addition, the Cameroon team is very strong in Africa.”
“The ability to consolidate and grow during the competition is basic. Last time we put a lot of pressure on ourselves because we drew the opening match. [against Switzerland]. After we beat Mexico, we were more relaxed. The team must start well this time.
LIONEL SCALONI, ARGENTINA MANAGER
“We play well and I believe in our chances. We can not complain [about our rivals] but can not be satisfied either, says Scaloni to Argentine TV.
“Mexico are rivals we know, Poland managed by beating Sweden [in the playoffs] and Saudi Arabia had a very good qualifying campaign. We respect all our rivals, it’s a difficult group.
“I tell people, ‘Calm down and enjoy the World Cup.’ I hope it ends with Argentina in the final.”
GUSTAVO ALFARO, ECUADORCHEF
“It’s incredible to play the opening match. I have been present in four opening matches and it is a wonderful celebration. The eyes of the world will be on us. Ecuador’s privilege to open a World Cup is something fascinating,” the Argentine told reporters after the draw.
“All our opponents will be difficult. We are happy to participate in a World Cup and everything that comes will be positive. We must improve so that everyone who has to face us feels that we are difficult too. This is ours. main challenge. “
DIEGO ALONSO, URUGUAY MANAGER
“It’s an even group where I think all four teams have chances and are strong. We’re very excited about what could happen. We will aim to win all our matches but it’s hard to predict what might happen. “Alonso told Uruguayan journalists.
“We have been drawn together with South Korea, Portugal and Ghana. We will enter these matches with an optimistic mindset and with great respect for our opponents, while trusting what we have.
“I never watched [the Uruguay managerial post] like taking a hot potato. I’ve always seen it as a great opportunity. I am an optimist by nature, everything I had hoped for was what ended.
“The group has received [me] in the best possible way and that is because the Uruguayan players have a great identification with the national team and there is nothing more important than that, Celeste is a priority and they make you feel it all the time. It makes everything easier.
“I feel that this will be an atypical World Cup. The players will be less tired but also in good condition due to matches under the belt with their teams.”