Batista: We can still reach Copa final

Posted on | Sunday, July 10, 2011 | No Comments

Argentine coach Sergio Batista is confident his team can still go to the Copa America final despite being bottom of Group A.

The hosts Argentina were installed as co-favorites along with Brazil before the tournament, but since then have flattered to deceive, drawing both of their two games so far.

This leaves them in need of a victory over Costa Rica on Monday to ensure their continuation in the quarterfinals, while anything less could see them being embarassingly eliminated in the group stage.

Argentina is in Barcelona Chhan

Batista has been criticized for its tactics slightly negative, but he reveals that he is still confident in its page views, claiming performance of Argentina in pre-tournament friendlies were a good example of what his players are able.

"I'm still [are] convinced that I was before the tournament," Batista told TYC Sports.

"In the friendly games we showed we can play good football."

Batista confidence is so high that it believes match Monday against Costa Rica will be only the first of four "final" for his team to overcome if they are to reach the Copa America glory.

"Now we have four finals to come, and the first is Monday, against Costa Rica.

"I see myself in the last Copa America ... is a title we need. "

When asked if there was any change that would do its part, Batista insisted that his approach would be the same, but did not rule out staff changes.

"There could be some changes, but we'll keep the same mentality.

"We will have several meetings with the players to boost morale."

Arch-rivals Argentina and Brazil's main competitors take Paraguay in their second Group B match on Sunday.