Argentina expect New Zealand to use their physical strength to try to win Monday’s friendly international at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato.
Centre back Aidana Cometti (26), who captained Argentina in their 4-0 win against Chile, says her side will go into the match against the Ferns with the same approach they took on Friday.
Main photo: Commetti (right) was captain for the game against Chile. Photo credit: Argentina FA.
She told the Argentina FC website:
“We know that they are very physical teams, which have always cost us, but I think that we are working very well to be able to match that.
“Our game also has to prevail, just like our style, which may not be as physical, but more technical.
“We have to use these friendlies to grow, which is what will lead us to achieve our goals in the World Cup.”
Cometti said the team would play New Zealand with confidence and with temperance.
She said the win against Chile showed Argentina were improving match by match … “that we are growing, forming a great team and a great group to be able to compete well.”
Head coach Germán Portanova had spoken of tranquility and restraint when evaluating the Chile result, and Cometti agreed.
“There are many more factors that influence. Calm down, keep working, keep doing things right and, as he (Portanova) also said, correct mistakes,” she said.
Cometti said she was “very happy” to see so many South Americans — Argentines and Chileans — at North Harbour Stadium.
“They created a very beautiful atmosphere, a very beautiful folklore: in each goal, with each song. It makes us very happy that people are also beginning to identify with our national team. Thank you for all the encouragement and all the support,” she said.
Argentina had a training session at Olympic Park, Auckland, on Sunday, followed by a video analysis of their game and of New Zealand’s match against Portugal.
Cometti interview
News from the Ferns camp
READ MORE: Striker Hannah Wilkinson on Monday’s Ferns game: ‘It’s going to be 100% better’ >>>>
READ MORE: Portugal put Football Ferns on the rack with 5-0 drubbing in Hamilton >>>>
READ MORE: Ferns coach Jitka Klimková: ‘We know we should be doing a better job’ >>>>
READ MORE: Commentator Jason Pine: ‘Probably Klimková’s most disappointing performance’ >>>>
More football stories
