Argentina are the best team in the world, says Diaz

The Paraguay coach has the utmost respect for Gerardo Martino's men but takes heart from the fact that his side remain unbeaten in Chile

Ramon Diaz says Paraguay will be going up against "the best national team in the world" when they face Argentina in the semi-finals of the Copa America.

La Albirroja booked their place in the last four by upsetting Brazil 4-3 on penalties in Concepcion on Saturday after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

Paraguay thus remain undefeated in Chile and, having already drawn with Argentina in the group stage, head coach Diaz says the entire camp is brimming with belief ahead of Tuesday's semi-final showdown with the Albiceleste.

"Argentina are the best national team in the world," he told reporters. "We know them well and there won't be much time to enjoy this special moment.

"But the players, the directors, everyone here is very happy. This is very important for us - a great step to carry on believing in this project.

"We have played Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil and none of them have been able to beat us so you have to have a lot of respect for this team.

"The players have shown the fans just what they are capable of doing."

Diaz also felt Paraguay's perseverance was perfectly underlined by the way in which they responded to Robinho's early opener in their quarter-final clash, with Derlis Gonzalez levelling from the spot with 18 minutes to go before then converting again from 12 yards out to decide the shootout in his side's favour.

"We are very happy with the game we played," Diaz said. "It's a great satisfaction.

"At the end of the match we looked to push Brazil back with the changes that we made and we could have scored another goal.

"Both teams were trying to score; it was exciting and we were lucky enough to go through."

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