Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni on Argentina’s World Cup draw vs. Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia

By
Roy Nemer
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8

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni commented on Argentina’s World Cup draw where they are in the same grup as Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Scaloni was in Doha, Qatar for the 2022 World Cup draw. Argentina have been drawn in Group C against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland. Speaking after the draw to TyC Sports, here is what he had to say:

“We have to accept what has been drawn for us. It’s a group with difficult teams. Mexico is an opponent that we know, difficult. Poland played well and won against Sweden and Saudi Arabia had a very good qualifying campaign. We respect everyone. We believe we can do well, we could have a good group stage but it’s maximum respect.”

Scaloni also spoke about Mexico, a team they were set to play in a friendly match in September:

“It was the team with which we were pretty sure about and now we have to look elsewhere. But there is no doubt that it’s not an important thing about friendlies, it’s not an important thing to play against European rivals. We know very well how we want to play.

“Logically, I would have liked to prepare for the World Cup by playing and if it’s not possible against opponents of that level, we will look for others.

“Historically, they have been a difficult opponent for us at World Cups. I suffered in 2006 as a player, they played a great match and we won in extra time with the goal by Maxi Rodriguez. It was a complicated match and they are a complicated opponent.”

Regaring Poland:

“They are a national team with good players, known and world class.”

In regards to the fans:

“For them to be calm and to enjoy the World Cup, which is the most important, because it’s played every four years. Hopefully it will be with Argentina until the final. That they enjoy this national team and the kids that play for this shirt. Every one together, surely we will be stronger.”

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8 Comments

  1. We are in a group of death. Liwandowski vs Messi would make Messi quite nervous because Liwandowski is in great touch and the Balon D’Or snub for Liwandowski did not go well with him. He would try hard for revenge. Mexico is a team which is young and pressing. Our team is not. Even if we cross the group stage, our next opponent would be Denmark or France. So our path to quarters is full of challenges, which we would have liked to avoid. But now that we are on this challenging path, Scaloni and his men should give their best. It would need them to be way better than what we are now. We should not read too much into our 31 loss-less streak. During this time we played against only one European side, against a young Germany. We did not do bad. But nothing splendid. It was almost a Germany B team. But we were also a new team at that point in time. Ocampos and De Paul were fantastic in that match. An inexperienced Lautaro looked totally at a loss. In a group of death number of goals scored and consumed would matter a lot. We have not been as prolific in scoring goals like Brazil. All said and done, let’s enjoy our team at the WC. May the best team lift the trophy. Let the woodwork, VAR and whistle remain just to the best team.

  4. I can smell arrogance in the words of Louis Enrique.
    Lusi enrique after draw:
    It’s a strong group if you take into consideration Germany, but we are the top seeds because of our merits and the work we have being doing in recent years. As for the rest of the group, I won’t lie to you – I know almost nothing. Now is the moment to take the time to study them and continue thinking and trusting in what we are as a team. We’re not going to change how we play whether it’s the World Cup or a friendly. Our style is very clear, and it will be very difficult to play against us.”

  6. One thing to say about Lionel Scaloni is that he is a gentleman. He knows how to talk about openents. He always talks like a wise man. I hope he will go to Qatar with a good team.

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