Doha, April 2: Managers of Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay national teams expressed their thoughts following the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony on Friday. The tournament will be held from November 21 to December 18 in 2022 at eight stadiums in Qatar. It is the first time for a Middle East country to host the World Cup.
“It is neither the group of death nor life, every group has a degree of difficulty. Portugal have Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana,” Tite of Brazil said, before alluding to the similarity to 2018, when Brazil were also drawn in the same group as Serbia and Switzerland. “Everything is the same (as the group in 2018). All that was missing was Costa Rica. Serbia and Switzerland eliminated Portugal and Italy (from automatic qualification as group leaders).
Also, the Cameroon team is very strong in Africa.” “The ability to consolidate and grow during the competition is fundamental. 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 has to start well this time.” Lionel Scaloni told Argentine TV: “We’re playing well and I believe in our chances. We can’t complain (about our rivals) but can’t be content either.
“Mexico are rivals we know, Poland got through 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 say to people, ‘Be calm and enjoy the World Cup’. I hope it ends with Argentina in the final.” Ecuador manager Gustavo Alfaro said, “It’s incredible to play the opening match. I have been present in four inaugural matches and it is a wonderful party. The eyes of the world will be on us.
Ecuador’s privilege of opening a World Cup is something fascinating. “All of our opponents are going to be difficult. We are happy to participate in a World Cup and everything that comes is going to be positive. We have to improve so that everyone who has to face us feels that we are difficult too. This is our main challenge.”
Diego Alonso, Uruguay manager, said, “It’s an even group in which I think all four teams have chances and are strong. We’re very excited about what might happen. We’ll be aiming to win all of our matches but it’s difficult to anticipate what might happen. “We’ve been drawn alongside South Korea, Portugal and Ghana. We’ll go into those games with an optimistic mindset and with great respect for our opponents, while also trusting what we have. I never looked at (the Uruguay managerial post) as taking a hot potato. I always saw it as a great opportunity. I’m an optimist by nature, everything I’d hoped for is what eventuated.
“The group has received (me) in the best way possible and that is because the Uruguayan players have a great identification with the national team and there is nothing more important than that, the Celeste is a priority and they make you feel it at all times. That makes everything easier. “I feel that this is going to be an atypical World Cup. The players will be less tired but also in good condition because of matches under their belts with their teams.” UNI/Xinhua
