FIFA World Cup 2026 | ‘We are fair winners’: Lionel Scaloni after Argentina set up clash against Spain | Football News
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players after their dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, saying the team had achieved something “unbelievable” and would now give everything to win the title.Argentina came from behind in Atlanta to book a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain. England, meanwhile, failed to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 and now face France in the third-place playoff. Scaloni was full of praise for his squad and thanked every player, including those from the bench.“We have to thank the players. It’s hard to explain what this group has done in words. We will try to win the final, but what these guys have achieved is amazing. I am grateful to the players. Without them it would be impossible. A special mention for those who don’t play and support from outside. This is an amazing group. Those from the bench today are important,” Scaloni said during the post-match press conference.
‘We’ll give it our all’
Scaloni said the personal accolades don’t matter to him. His concern is to ensure that the team is ready for every challenge.“Hopefully people will think well of me, but honestly, it doesn’t worry me. That doesn’t motivate me. What I’m worried about is that the boys go out on the field in good shape and that there’s always tomorrow.Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Scaloni promised that Argentina will leave nothing behind in their quest to retain the World Cup.“We will try to win, we will give everything. But it’s already impressive. We are unique and this is not arrogance. It’s heart. The jersey deserves it. Give everything to the end, no holding back,” Scaloni said.
‘This team plays better when it’s in trouble’
Scaloni said his side never stopped believing despite the late game. He felt that Argentina created enough chances and continued to attack until the breakthrough came.“In football as in life, you have to give everything until the end. This team plays better when it is in trouble. If it hadn’t gone in, we would have lost 1-0 with seven scoring chances. We kept pushing until the end. We thought that the match against Egypt was the best, and it surpassed it,” said Scaloni.He also spoke about how quickly emotions can change in football.“These are the only moments of pure joy that we have. Tomorrow, the bitterness will start again. These players do not feel burdened by the responsibility. We are not successful just because we win or not. The most important thing is how we deal with situations,” he added.
Argentina set the final against Spain
England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon and looked on course for victory. But Argentina fought back strongly.Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute before Lionel Messi set up Lautaro Martinez for the winner in stoppage time, completing a stunning comeback.The game remained a tight fight throughout, with both teams making some clear chances in the first half. Argentina will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, as England face France in the third-place playoff.
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