Boca Juniors is set to kick off their Club World Cup journey, fully aware that their progression to the knockout rounds will heavily hinge on their performances against Europe’s top teams, according to coach Miguel Angel Russo on Sunday.
The Argentine giants are scheduled to take on Benfica at the Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, arriving on the heels of Bayern Munich’s staggering 10-0 victory over Auckland City in another Group C clash.
“Bayern’s opponents (Auckland City) are semi-professionals, and I don’t intend any disrespect. Bayern and Benfica operate on a different level,” Russo, who has embarked on his third tenure as Boca head coach, remarked at a press conference.
When asked about Boca’s prospects of making it past the group stage in the 32-team tournament, Russo maintained his focus.
“The focus is on tomorrow’s match; we aren’t looking ahead to what follows,” he stated.
“We understand that in the space of a week, we’ll play three matches, but the first one is the most crucial. Benfica is one of Europe’s elite clubs.”
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Boca can expect considerable backing from their supporters, as the city of Miami is bustling with Argentine fans.
“Our supporters have always made a significant impact; they’ve stood by us throughout the club’s history,” remarked Russo, who is still weighing whether former Uruguay international Edinson Cavani, currently nursing injuries, will be in the starting lineup.
“With Cavani, we’re taking it on a day-by-day basis,” he added.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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