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Fan Base: How many weeks will Argentina remain in Paris?
Argentina star Felipe Contepomi has warned his fellow Pumas to expect a tough challenge from Scotland in Sunday's quarter-final clash in Paris.
The South Americans roared into the last eight by dismantling Ireland on Sunday, a victory that saw them top Pool D above host nation France.
And while the French now head to Cardiff for a daunting appointment with tournament favourites New Zealand, Argentina are one win away from a history-making first semi-final appearance.
The Pumas' form so far - played four, won four - will see them start as clear favourites to send Scotland packing.
But Leinster centre Contepomi claims there is no danger of complacency creeping into Argentina's ranks.
"Our main pressure is to have good training sessions during the week and put ourselves in a good position for the game next Sunday," he said.
"Scotland will be a very tough game for us - they are playing some good rugby.
"From what I've seen in the World Cup, they have lifted their level up from what we saw in the Six Nations."
As France found before them, Ireland could make little headway against a supremely-organised Pumas outfit, a 30-15 defeat confirming their early exit.
"Our strategy was perfect, and we were able to develop it on the field," said Contepomi.
"It was very strange, because from the beginning of the game they needed to score tries. But even when they were up two tries to one, we controlled the match.
"Our game plan was to score as many tries as possible, or as many points as we could, by any means.
"This World Cup is showing up some really great defences - we were playing the best centre [pairing] in the world in Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy, but we were winning in the forwards, so we thought 'why not keep it there?'
"We finished first in the group, and we are now well-placed for the next round.
"Dreaming is easy, but we have to go step by step. We showed that the Pumas are a very difficult team to beat.
"I would say the best thing about this team is we have solidarity."
If the quarter-finals hold true to form, Argentina should meet South Africa in the last four at Stade de France on October 14.
And the Pumas are unlikely to deviate from the power-based forward game that has served them so well in surviving - and flourishing - in the so-called pool of death.
Skipper Agustín Pichot said: "Even if we made some mistakes and they [Ireland] scored two tries, we played intelligently.
"It can be boring to see, but it is very effective."
Full-back Ignacio Corleto added: "We knew how to play against Ireland, and we did everything we had planned in our strategy.
"We haven't lost our humility, and we will play with all our strength against a tough opponent like Scotland. They are on the same level as us, and the best team will win.
"The win was very important because we've never won four group matches before - that is why we have celebrated so much.
"We want to go on, and we won't be content with what we have done."
