Colombia said Sunday it’s far too early to make them favorites to get out of Group A at the Copa America despite going top of the group with their opening win over Costa Rica.
Argentina’s draw with Bolivia left the hosts playing catch-up but experienced cafeteros’ coach Hernan Dario Gomez said that before the outcome of Wednesday’s match with the albiceleste nobody can say if his men have what it takes to book their passage.
“We are going up against a favorite who may be stumbled at the outset. But Argentina have great players and a great coach. They are the favourites – they’ll be out to get right back on track.
“We absolutely aren’t the favorites,” said Gomez, whose side edged out Costa Rica 1-0 with Adrian Ramos on target.
Highly-rated striker Radamel Falcao noted that “we have a few days to get ready for this one. It’ll be more open as Argentina will be going out chasing a result much more so than was the case with Costa Rica.”
Teammate Luis Perea added that “at a Copa America, nobody gives anything away, not even a centimeter. We must concentrate on the job 100 percent.”
Argentina, without major silverware since 1993, have won a joint record 14 titles – sharing the mark with Uruguay. Colombia won the title in 2001 and Gomez intends to push them hard.
“This team has to give it more as we have good players,” he urged.