On the attack

Argentina plans to test Brazilian defense in Copa America championship

LIMA (Reuters) -- Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa promised his side will attack Brazil in Sunday's Copa America final and said he was not worried about how his opponents would play.

"We're going to attack with six players as usual, which is convincing proof of our own style," Bielsa said.

"We will try to play in the opponents' half. I'm ignoring what Brazil are going to do but I'm very clear about the convictions of my own team."

However, Bielsa added that Argentina's performance would be built on the basis of a strong defense.

Argentina went through the quarters and semifinals without conceding a goal and have only let in four in the whole tournament. At the other end, they have scored 14.

"The effectiveness of our defense has to be given some credit," he said.

"We've hardly had any chances created against us.

"Defending well pre-supposes tranquillity to go after the opponents' goal. Teams attack well once they defend well.

"If the defense is good, the forwards are not under so much pressure."

Bielsa rejected the idea that Argentina will start as favorites against a Brazil side who has rested several of their top players.

"Making a team favorite is a psychological tool which overloads the responsibilities of one side and lightens those of the other," he said.

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