Brazil legend Dani Alves says Lionel Messi is in prime type on the World Cup however has urged his facet to concentrate on their quarter-final tie with Croatia.
- Alves cautious of Messi
- Says staff should concentrate on Croatia
- Win may arrange Argentina tie
WHAT HAPPENED? Brazil put in a shocking show to cruise previous South Korea within the final 16 of the World Cup on Monday and stay on track to tackle Argentina within the final 4. Dani Alves is aware of simply how tough will probably be up towards former Barcelona team-mate Messi however has warned his staff they have to concentrate on their quarter-final with Croatia earlier than they will even take into consideration taking part in Argentina.
WHAT THEY SAID: âThe whole lot occurs by way of Messi. The whole lot occurs by way of his toes. I believe heâs in a brutal second. He is likely one of the gamers to bear in mind surely on this competitors,â he instructed reporters. âWe canât take into consideration the semi-finals, as a result of weâre within the quarter-finals, out of respect for Croatia weâve to be targeted on this match. Croatia has numerous high quality gamers they usually deserve our 110% consideration.â
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Brazil stay favourites to raise the World Cup and might be anticipated to see off Croatia, who wanted penalties to knock out Japan within the final 16. Titeâs facet may then face Argentina for a spot within the remaining and might be out for revenge after dropping the 2021 Copa America remaining to the Albiceleste on the Maracana stadium.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
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DID YOU KNOW? Brazil scored 4 targets in a knockout spherical recreation on the World Cup for the primary time since 1998 (4-1 vs Chile), scoring extra targets within the opening 36 minutes of this match (4) than they did of their three group stage video games mixed (3).
WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL? Each Argentina and Brazil return to motion on Friday on the World Cup. Titeâs facet face Croatia, whereas Argentina are up towards the Netherlands.