Lionel Scaloni: “This Team Plays Better When It’s in Trouble”
Argentina are heading to another FIFA World Cup final, and head coach Lionel Scaloni believes their latest comeback is because of the character of his team.
The reigning world champions came from behind to beat England 2-1. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late goals to overturn Anthony Gordon’s opener and book a place in the final against Spain.
After the match, Scaloni explained why he never lost faith in his players, even after England took the lead.
“This team plays better when it’s in trouble.”
The Argentina manager praised his side for refusing to give up despite creating chance after chance before finally finding the breakthrough.
“If it didn’t go in, we would’ve lost 1-0 with seven goal-scoring chances. We kept pushing until the end.”
Scaloni also admitted the performance surpassed even Argentina’s dramatic comeback victory over Egypt earlier in the tournament.
“We thought the match against Egypt was the peak, and this one surpassed it.”
The 48-year-old reserved special praise for every member of his squad, particularly those who came off the bench.
“Those who came on from the bench today were fundamental.”
He added:
“We have to thank the players. It’s hard to explain what this group has done with words. We’re going to try to win the final, but what these guys have already achieved is incredible.”
Match-winner Lautaro Martínez described the victory as one he had dreamed about since childhood.
“I’m very happy and very excited about the victory and the goal.”
The Inter Milan striker revealed his thoughts immediately after scoring the winning goal.
“I thought about my family, about my children. For my parents who were always there in the difficult moments.”
He added:
“I’ve always dreamed of scoring this goal, ever since my dad bought me a pair of cleats.”
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez said Argentina approached the match knowing what it meant to their supporters.
“We played like it was a semifinal, with the knife between our teeth. We knew it was a special match for the people.”
Defender Lisandro Martínez echoed that feeling.
“We are all Argentinians right now. What they go through, what they live, it’s felt here too.”
He added:
“We leave everything in every contested ball and that’s the most important thing. We’re one step away, but now we’re going to enjoy what we’ve achieved.”
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, one victory away from successfully defending the title they won four years ago.
