Rangnick: Austria Must Be 'At Their Best' to Stop Argentina at World Cup
World Cup Group J: Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and face Argentina in Dallas on Monday. Rangnick says Argentina ‘have no weaknesses’ after Messi’s hat-trick.
World Cup 2026, Rangnick admits Argentina 'have no weaknesses' before Dallas clash...
Ralf Rangnick says Austria will need their best performance under him yet if they want to avoid defeat against defending champions Argentina. The two sides meet in World Cup Group J at Dallas Stadium on Monday.
Both teams sit on three points after opening wins. Austria edged Jordan, while Lionel Messi’s hat-trick powered Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria. That display pushed Rangnick to warn his squad about the challenge ahead.
“Let's talk about the weaknesses: there are none, not that we were able to observe,” Rangnick said of Lionel Scaloni's side on Sunday. “Their strengths, they are outstanding. The players can also play with two or three different types of teams.
"I don't know how many people will bet on Austria and how many will bet on Argentina. If you look at the algorithm, it probably says we won't win tomorrow."
“We have stuck to our routine, we have presented the opposition just as usual. We have discussed what to do in possession, out of possession, and in set pieces, and we've tried to tell the team what to do to beat them.
“Obviously, they have the greatest player of all time in their team, so we have to show we're one of the best teams at this World Cup.
“We have to be very strong tactically, but we have to be very courageous. We have to bring our A game tomorrow, and we will maybe have to show the best performances we have ever done under my tenure.”
Austria are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Rangnick has led their revival since taking over from Franco Foda more than three years ago.
Beating Jordan gave them their first World Cup win in 36 years. Rangnick also confirmed Stefan Posch is fit to play against Argentina after being fitted with a protective mask in Los Angeles last week.
“We will play against all the odds,” said Rangnick. “But that means we might cause a surprise, it might be a draw or a victory, but anything is possible because we're talking about a ball sport and a team sport.
“We have our own style, and we have grit and courage, and we can decide the game. This is what makes or breaks you. I know Argentina play at a distinguished level, but what is important is the level we are going to play.”
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