Austria Coach Rangnick Wants To Upset Argentina Despite Messi Factor

DALLAS, June 22 (Bernama-dpa) -- Austria coach Ralf Rangnick acknowledged that his side are the underdogs against defending champions Argentina and that they are playing “against all odds” when they face the South Americans at the World Cup, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

However, the Austrians hope to use their collective strength to contain the exceptional Lionel Messi in Monday's second group-stage match.

“And of course, with Messi, they probably have the best player who has ever lived, and we have to show that we're one of the best teams at this World Cup,” Rangnick said at a news conference on Sunday.

To pull off an upset, Austria might even need “the best performance we've shown so far during my tenure.”

But Rangnick believes that a draw – and even a victory – is possible.

“Because we're still talking about a team sport, and we have the opportunity to influence the outcome through our own performance, our strategy and our style of play, combined with the necessary energy and courage to turn the game in our favour. And that's what will make the difference,” he said.

Austria and Argentina both won their respective opening matches.

Argentina top the Group J standings ahead of Austria on goal difference.

-- BERNAMA-dpa