The Tiki Toa beat the South American champions in a pre-tournament friendly but Schirinzi says in a competition like the World Cup past results remain in the past.
“We have the quality, we have seen that quality. I’m not scared of losing to Argentina, but we saw against Spain that we may be missing some of that experience,” Schirinzi says.
“For me it was such a disappointment watching the match against Spain because I think we could have played with great heart and without pressure. But I didn’t see that from the players,” Schirinzi says.
“It’s all mental. We know that they can play, but we didn’t see them try, there was no heart. We have the physicality – we can run but not if we don’t want to. Maybe it’s a mind-block and if it is I hope I can unblock it.”
Schirinzi says while the Tiki Toa had enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten streak up until their loss to Spain, it was during a very short period of time and they still lack experience.
“Yes, they’ve had a lot of matches but all in two months. We can’t forget that this team is missing a lot of that international experience and it’s something we need to consider.”
Another factor Schirinzi will be working on with his side ahead of their all-important clash is their ability to do the business up front.
“We seem to be missing a bit of quality in front of the goal, but we’re working on that. We will try everything to win.”
Captain Naea Bennett is right alongside his coach saying they were made to pay by the Spaniards as they struggled to make up for a bad start.
“We didn’t begin well and we were a little disturbed with the three goals we conceded,” Bennett says.
“But we knew how to react during the second and third periods and that is a good sign for the quarter finals. If one game had to be lost, it needed to be this one and we have to learn the lesson so we don’t make the same mistake later.
“We have to begin the next match better and not allow the other team to dominate. We have to give ourselves 100 per cent to the cause because the slightest misstep, it’s back home.”
The Tiki Toa will take on Argentina at To’ata Stadium on Wednesday, 25 September at 17h00 (local) in the quarter final stage of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.