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The world champions had a hard time getting through the sharks’ teeth
Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentine national team, defended his team’s performance after the difficult victory over Cape Verde (3:2) in the 32nd round of the World Cup, stressing that the first real difficult match awaits the “Albiceleste” in the tournament.
In a post-match press conference at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Scalloni responded to critics of the draw, saying: “Remember when they told me we were on the easier side of the draw… I hope they understand there are no easy opponents. Congratulations to the Cape Verde team! We knew they were a strong and competitive team.”
“I think we deserved to win, but that doesn’t negate the fact that our opponent played well. I would like to mention the positive aspects. this team never gives up. I remember the added time in Qatar. The team continued to attack. They finished the match exhausted, but that’s a good thing.”
“From the first minutes of extra time to the final whistle, the team was good. We felt some anxiety, but when you play with all your enthusiasm for the national team, it compensates for the lack of breathing and oxygen. The team showed strong character today.”
Referring to the critical moment when Argentina took the second draw (2-2), the coach admitted. “The wonder goal they scored was unbelievable. I, in my skeptical nature, thought.
Scalloni praised his team’s ability to withstand pressure, saying: “The best thing that differentiates a team is the ability to counter shots and continue to attack. The team did their best and took charge of the match.”
He concluded with a profound philosophy about Argentine identity. “What does it mean to be Argentine? This is it, with all its good and bad, suffering and never giving up on the ball. This team is unlikely to feel the weight of responsibility. It’s not always possible to play well.”
