Lionel Scaloni and Argentina’s Approach to the World Cup Final
As the much-anticipated World Cup final draws near, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni has shared insights into his team’s mindset leading up to the match. Scaloni, aged 48, emphasizes that his squad, La Albiceleste, will tackle the final with the same dedication and preparation as they would for any other game. He stated, “We prepare the same way we do for every match. We’re eager for things to go well, ready to analyze our opponent, to see what we can do during the game… Beyond the fact that it’s a final, it’s still a football match.”
Highlighting the importance of focus, Scaloni noted, “We need to be at our best to win. We don’t go into it thinking it’s a World Cup final because otherwise, you can lose focus. We’ll see what happens.” His confidence in the team is buoyed by their recent performances, particularly the strong showing against England. “The second half against England was very good,” he remarked, acknowledging that while there are always areas for improvement, the team is on the right track to win the final.
The emotional connection between the players and their supporters is also a significant factor for Scaloni. “You see your people celebrating, you see how happy they are. It really gets to you, and it’s impossible not to feel it in your heart,” he explained. He reflects on the pride that comes with representing a nation where fans from rival clubs unite in support of the team, symbolized by a River Plate fan embracing a Boca Juniors fan. “We play for them. We play for our people, for our families, for those who are waiting to see the national team,” he added, stressing the value of this support.
Comparative Analysis: Spain and Argentina
When discussing the upcoming match against Spain, Scaloni identified both similarities and differences between the two teams. “Luis [De la Fuente] knows me as a person, but he doesn’t know what I think about football. We know how our teams play, but we haven’t talked about each other’s patterns,” Scaloni shared. He views their common style of play—predicated on possession—as an asset, wishing for a spectacular match on Sunday.
Scaloni expressed skepticism regarding whether experience would be a deciding factor in the match. “Spain also has players who have played on big stages, and when the ball starts rolling, the player forgets about the pressure,” he argued. He believes that both teams will aim to excel through ball possession, negating any perceived pressure stemming from the final’s significance.
Attention to detail is crucial for Scaloni as he prepares for Spain. He mentioned that although they had analyzed their upcoming opponents, they have also evaluated all potential adversaries since December to ensure comprehensive preparedness. “We know how they play, we know their strengths, and we’ll try to prevent them from using them,” he stated. His cautious approach to the match reflects a deep respect for Spain’s capabilities, admitting that even the logistics of their team, like the bus leaving the hotel, add to his concerns.
Messi’s Legendary Presence
Amidst discussions of the team’s dynamics, Scaloni refrained from speculating whether this World Cup would be Lionel Messi’s last. “How should I know? You have to ask him. I have no idea, because he never stops surprising us,” he remarked. Scaloni praised Messi’s remarkable performance at 39, calling him a figure of pure history and a source of pride for the nation. “To reach a final at 39, I think it’s incredible. That’s why I said we should enjoy it; we have to appreciate what he’s doing,” he expressed, acknowledging the legacy Messi has created alongside the current team.
Scaloni reflected on the immense pressure and challenges that come with expectations placed on Argentine players. “Even though people think Argentine players can do it, achieving it is very difficult. I told him in a conversation: what they’ve done is incredible. Eternal gratitude from the coaching staff,” he concluded with a hopeful sentiment for the final, indicating that regardless of the outcome, the journey and achievements of the team are noteworthy.
