Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, who scored one of the goals in his side's 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, said Lionel Messi's team are determined to retain the World Cup.
"This group is very united, very strong. We're in a good place. Now it's about resting and thinking about the next match. There are two games left and we're going to give everything," Álvarez told TyC Sports after the match.
Looking ahead to the semi-final against England, the striker said: "It'll be a difficult match. They're a great team."
"Things became difficult today, even though we had an extra player, but we knew the goal would come," he added.
'Very proud'
Speaking later in the mixed zone, Álvarez said he was "very proud" to have reached the last four.
"We know England have outstanding players. They're a great national team and they're playing very well. But now it's about recovering and preparing our own game."
The Manchester City forward also expressed his delight at getting on the scoresheet.
"Personally, I'm obviously very happy with the goal. Every World Cup match has been like this – lots of added time, that's just the way it's been. But we know we fight until the very end and give everything. We've been scoring late goals, but as long as we're winning, it's all positive."
'Important to score'
Álvarez said finding the net was important for his confidence, but insisted the team's success came first.
"As a striker, it's important to score. Personally, I feel I've been getting better and better as the tournament has gone on. Hopefully I'll be even better in these final matches. But the important thing is that the team wins."
"As a forward, you always want to help by scoring goals, but you also have to run and defend. We all do it together, so as long as the team keeps winning, we're all happy," he concluded.
– TIMES/AFP
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