Argentina lucky to be alive at Copa América, admits Scaloni
With one point from two games, Argentina are only just alive at the Copa América and Lionel Scaloni accepts they are fortunate to still be in the competition.
Lionel Scaloni admitted Argentina were "lucky" to still be alive in the Copa América after a 1-1 draw with Paraguay on Wednesday. Lionel Messi's second-half penalty cancelled out Richard Sánchez's goal in the Group B clash in Belo Horizonte. But Argentina also needed goalkeeper Franco Armani, who saved a spot-kick from Derlis González to earn his side their first point of the tournament.
Argentina, down but not out
Scaloni, whose team are facing a group-stage exit and need a win over Qatar on Sunday, said Argentina were fortunate. "The solution is that we have to win. We are lucky to be alive," he told a news conference. We have to look more like the second half, but be more balanced and thus be able to manage the game."
Subs make an impact
The introduction of Sergio Agüero at half-time led to a more dangerous Argentina as the forward played alongside Messi and Lautaro Martínez. But an unhappy Martínez was substituted in the 67th minute with what was later described as a glute injury.
"I don't know if it was the best version [before Martínez came off], but without a doubt it was the most dangerous," Scaloni said. "Sergio entered very well."
Final group game
Argentina remain bottom of the group on one point, behind Colombia (six), Paraguay (two) and Qatar (one) ahead of Sunday's games.