Martino: Argentina well placed ahead of Copa quarters
Gerardo Martino remains optimistic over Argentina's chances of breaking their 23-year trophy drought at the Copa America Centenario.
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino believes his side are looking strong ahead of the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after topping Group D.
A 3-0 win over Bolivia on Tuesday confirmed Martino and Co. as group winners, meaning they will face Venezuela in the last eight of the competition.
Erik Lamela, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Victor Cuesta found the net in the first half of the contest in Seattle, as Argentina dominated the majority of the play.
Martino believes their perfect record in the group puts them in good stead for the knockout stages, especially with Lionel Messi returning to full fitness, but he is not taking anything for granted.
"We have a solid team. We played well in the first half [against Bolivia], and that was the difference," the 53-year-old said post-game.
"It ended a good first step, but it is useless for what is to come next. But my team is alert.
"We are in a good moment, we have many players recovering from injuries and we're good for the final stretch."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Barcelona star Messi played the entire second half at CenturyLink Field, and Martino confirmed the Argentina captain will feature against Venezuela.
"Leo will play, for sure," he said.
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player