Boca Juniors will start their club World Cup campaign, knowing that their chances of continuing to the knock -out phase will largely depend on the outcome of their matches against Europe's heavyweights, said coach Miguel Angel Russo Sunday.
Boca will be opposite Benfica on Monday at the Hard Rock Stadium, one day after Bayern Munich Auckland City had erased 10-0 in another group of C match.
“Bayern's opponents (Auckland City) are semi-professionals, and I mean no lack of respect. Bayern and Benfica are at a different level,” said Russo, who just started his third Stint as Boca head coach, to a press conference.
When asked about the opportunities of Boca to continue to the knockout phases of the 32-team tournament, Russo kept his eyes on the ball.
“What matters is tomorrow's game, we don't look at what comes after this game,” he said.
“We know that we will play three games in seven or eight days, but the first is the most important. Benfica is one of the big European clubs.”
________________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup – every match for free, exclusively on Dazn.
________________________________________________
Boca can rely on getting a lot of support from the fans, because Miami Zwermts with Argentinian supporters.
“Our fans have always made the difference, they have always been there in the history of the club,” said Russo, who still has to decide whether former Uruguay International Edinson Cavani, who has injuries, will start.
“With Cavani we take it daily,” he added.