October 06, 2017
Sampaoli: "I am still confident we will be at the World Cup"
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli despite everything is still confident his team will qualify for the World Cup despite being held by Peru on Thursday.
Lionel Messi produced some ridiculous moments of magic, but the hosts were unable to break through in the 0-0 draw.
"I am still confident that we will be at the World Cup," he told a news conference.
"Today was a very good game. We just missed a goal. I am very hopeful and excited about what is coming.
"The team never gave up, put in a huge effort and deserved another result."
Sampaoli praised Messi for his performance, with the Barcelona star unfortunate to have scored just four goals in nine qualifiers this campaign.
"Messi played a great game, created chances and gave good passes," he said.
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A win over Ecuador will be enough for Argentina to secure at least a place in a play-off.
It just goes to show us that CONMEBOL qualifying is a true group of death.