‘People don’t want us to win’: Argentina head coach hits back at FIFA favoritism claim | Football News
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has rejected suggestions that FIFA is favoring the defending champions going forward. FIFA World Cupinsisted that such allegations are not new and instead serve as more motivation for his players. Speaking ahead of Argentina’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Sunday, Scaloni said the criticism surrounding his team only strengthened the team’s resolve as they chase a second consecutive World Cup title. The debate about Argentina allegedly receiving favorable treatment from FIFA intensified during the tournament, especially on social media. The discussion escalated after Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Egypt, where an Egyptian goal was disallowed after a VAR review, while another penalty appeal from Egypt was turned down. Those decisions prompted criticism from Egypt’s coaching staff and sections of supporters, who questioned the officiating. Some fans also argue that FIFA has a commercial interest in saving Lionel Messi and Argentina in the competition. However, those claims remain opinions rather than proven facts. Scaloni rejected the accusations and suggested the scrutiny stemmed from Argentina’s status as reigning world champions. “The thing is, we might have a lot more people who don’t want us to win because we won the last one, and well, we take that into account. And yeah, it gets to the players. We use criticism or comments to rebel. To stage a rebellion and make the players play even better,” said Scaloni to reporters last Saturday. The head of Argentina also pointed out that similar allegations have followed his country for decades, including during the 1986 World Cup victory. “It’s been a long time, you say 40 years, since 1986, right? They said we were favored before, too. So it’s not new. As far as I remember, Argentina has always been one of the teams that woke up the tournament, always. There are people who don’t want another national team to win,” said Scaloni. The 47-year-old also defended the role of VAR, arguing that the technology leaves little room for manoeuvre. “I think with VAR and all these things, it is very difficult for them to help you. It is very difficult, very difficult. There is no double interpretation of VAR. Moreover, they explained it to us in that course they gave us before the start of the World Cup. They showed us all the footage. Argentina will continue their title defense when they face Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals this Sunday, July 12.
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