"Argentina and Lionel Messi will begin their World Cup title defense against Algeria as they aim to become the first team to retain the crown since Brazil in 1962. Three-time champion Argentina also will play Austria and Jordan in Group J of the expanded 48-nation, 104-game festival, spread across 11 NFL stadiums plus three venues in Mexico and two in Canada."
"Regarding Group J opponents, Scaloni said Austria "had a great qualifying campaign," and he noted that Algeria has "great players and a large youth academy that also feeds France and other countries." He also praised Algeria coach Vladimir Petković as a "great one," recalling his time playing under him for Lazio in 2013. Scaloni had a big role in Friday's draw as he was responsible for bringing the World Cup trophy to the stage."
Argentina and Lionel Messi will begin their World Cup title defense against Algeria and also will face Austria and Jordan in Group J of the expanded 48-nation tournament. Coach Lionel Scaloni said there are no easy opponents and that the team must give its all to advance. Scaloni praised Austria's qualifying campaign, described Algeria as having great players and a large youth academy that feeds other countries, and lauded Algeria coach Vladimir Petković, recalling playing under him at Lazio. Scaloni brought the World Cup trophy to the stage and called holding and touching the cup very moving. Spain drew Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Read at ESPN.com
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