"I'm very happy that we'be managed to qualify for the knockout stage. The last days were really intense, but it panned out. Nigeria proved to be tough rivals, but we've been preparing to find the gaps in their defense. Now we have to analyze the way France play," Meza told journalists.

The 25-year-old added that his side "had potential" to win the World Cup.

"Everyone is equal at this tournament. We need to put a great deal of effort to finish it the way we want," Meza said.

Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 in their final Group D match in Saint Petersburg and moved to the knockout stage, where they will face Group C winners France in Kazan on Saturday.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with the matches being played in 11 cities across Russia.