Speaking to the official website of Russian Premier League club Zenit Saint Petersburg fc-zenit.ru, Argentina international Leandro Paredes reckons that they are in a difficult group at the 2018 World Cup.

The two-time world champions open group play against Croatia before facing Iceland and Nigeria.

''Yes, but I hope for the best. The fact that you will succeed.  Indeed, we are waiting for a strong group: different teams from different continents. It will not be easy, but I believe in our team - it's the best,'' said Paredes.

''We have a goal - to qualify first in the group and go as far as possible at the World Cup. We believe in ourselves, and this is the main thing at the moment.''

Leandro Paredes watched proceedings from the bench in Argentina's 4-2 loss to Nigeria in an international friendly in Krasnodar on November 14.

The 23-year-old netted on his debut against Singapore in June 2017.

Igho Kingsley