Scaloni: Argentina did not play as bad as people said
JAKARTA - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed criticism of his team's performance at the 2026 World Cup ahead of the semi-final against England on Thursday, July 16, 2026, early morning WIB.
"This team didn't play as bad as people say. We must have done something right to reach this stage."
"I thank the players. They have brought us three titles and now another semifinal. We are only one step away. We will do our best to achieve it," said Scaloni as reported by ESPN.
Argentina topped Group J by defeating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, before later eliminating Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
However, the defending champions needed extra time to beat Cape Verde and Switzerland, as well as a stunning comeback - led by star Lionel Messi, who will face England for the first time in his career - from 0-2 down to advance past Egypt in the last 16.
The semi-final against England is the fourth consecutive time that Argentina has reached this stage after appearances in the 2014, 2018 editions, and when they became champions in the 2022 edition in Qatar. Argentina has also won the last two editions of the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
"Honestly, I don't think too much about whether we play exactly how I want or not. The point is, a month and a half ago, I would have immediately accepted the opportunity to be in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, in any way."
"It's not important for me. So, our current condition is not important. I have no complaints. Whether we are tired or not, it doesn't matter."
"We are in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Now, I am very happy, we are all happy. We see the current conditions and are ready to play the game," said Scaloni.
Meanwhile, when asked about tensions between the two countries - particularly the dispute over the Falkland Islands in 1982 - Scaloni said the team would only focus on the sporting aspect of the match between Argentina and England, setting aside the political history of the two countries.
"The reality is that this is a football match. I can't mix those things up, especially out of respect for what happened years ago."
"It was a very sad period in our history and there's not much we can do about it, that's the reality."
"This is a football match. No one can deny it. Bad things happen in other parts of the world and we criticize the existence of war."
"So, for me to start saying this is more than just a football match, it seems crazy to me. Of course we remember those people. However, this is a football match, we should not mix the two," said Scaloni.
The winner of the semifinal between Argentina and England will face Spain in the World Cup final on July 20, 2026, early in the morning WIB in East Rutherford, New Jersey.