Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hopes his side can avoid letdown vs. Austria

ARLINGTON, TX — Argentina is the reigning world champion and started its title defense off with a 3-0 thrashing of Algeria, but manager Lionel Scaloni says that other World Cup results have shown that any game can be a stumbling block for top teams.

Scaloni said he has watched games like Spain's draw with Cape Verde and Ecuador's stalemate with Curacao. Those eyebrow-raisers have led him to remind is team that things won't always be easy.

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"What you're seeing in the World Cup is there’s no easy game. The group phase historically … it’s always been difficult for everyone," Scaloni said in his pre-match news conference. "The conditions with the heat, the time between games, maybe it gives a hand to the team that, in theory, is a bit weaker.

The first question posed to the manager in his news conference ahead of the showdown with Austria was about the false report of the death of Messi's father.

The coach expressed frustration that he had to be asked the question but noted, "We’re good. There’s not much more to add. The team is good and ready to play tomorrow’s match."

Scaloni said he and much of the group don't do much more in camp than go through training sessions and watch as many matches of the World Cup as possible.

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"We see everything we can live. Right now, I was watching the end of Uruguay-Cape Verde," he said. "You learn a lot of things, you’re continually seeing situations and, besides, I like it."

Scaloni expects neutrals to enjoy tuning into Monday, June 22's match, with Austria's intense pressing style coming up against his own team's desire to keep the ball and build its attack with possession.

"Austria is a tough opponent that has very good players, that pressures well, has verticality, got through qualification well and is an opponent that you have to keep in mind," he said. "It’ll be a tough game. We both won the first game, which could make the spectacle better."

The Albiceleste's group finale come against Jordan on June 27.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup results have Argentina on edge before match vs. Austria