La Serena: Angel Di Maria revealed that Argentina find it hard to break down tough defences without a target man up front. The Manchester United man responded to criticism of his country's relatively low winning margin from the group stages, where they defeated both Uruguay and Jamaica 1-0 to qualify for a quarter final against Colombia.

Di Maria suggested that his country lacked "an aerial option" like former strikers Hernan Crespo and Gabriel Batistuta that would help to provide a different option in attack.

"People talk a lot, but it is not easy to play against defensive opponents," he told an Argentine newspaper.

"Against Jamaica, we were in the attacking half and they were back, it was difficult to find space. When Crespo or Batistuta were central, you could put the ball for them to head. We are short, if we do not play on the ground, it becomes complicated."

The 27-year-old also shared his thoughts on Argentina's style under Gerardo Martino, and how it differed from Alejandro Sabella, who led them to the final of the 2014 World Cup.

"Now there is more possession and we apply more pressure. We seek to play opponents in their half and not let them out," he continued.

"With Sabella, there was a difference because he thought it best to use the quick counter-attacking players we have. There are different ways of thinking. He did things very well, and now we are doing what Tata wants."

Di Maria also insisted that he was not looking to leave Manchester United, despite his discontent with a role amongst the substitutes - choosing to face his problems rather than run from them.

"I came with an intention and end up on the bench. It's hard to tell how I feel there. I started well, with goals and assists. I was having a good time, until I was out. It's a little hard to explain why I do not play. But no [I will not leave], because I'm not thinking like that.

Meanwhile, left back Marcos Rojo said facing a Colombia side, who like to attack, will force Argentina to play their best soccer.

"Colombia are tough rivals but more open than the teams we've faced so far," Rojo said at Argentina's base camp.

"On paper these are the rivals that suit us, although you've got to play the matches but we have a lot of faith in our game," the Manchester United defender said.

Rojo believes the Argentine team is packed with talent and capable of ending the country's 22-year wait for a major trophy after back-to-back Copa America wins in 1991 and 1993. (Reuters)