Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference after Argentina’s 2-0 win against Austria about the team and Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in their 2-0 win against Austria and the Argentina national team have qualified into the Round of 32 of the World Cup. Speaking to the media after the match, here is what Scaloni had to say:
“When it’s time to suffer, the team does it. At times, we didn’t have the ball and the merit of the team is knowing what to do in each moment.
“Austria is a tough team with height and physicality. We are very happy to have qualified.
“When we were patient and had the ball, we knew we were finding the game and we created chances.
“We had things to improve. When we were patient, we found the passes.
“We will see the results from tonight and if the situation allows, I want to give minutes to all the players that we can.
“When the opponent attacks with a lot of players, you have to defend. The reading of the game is easy, it’s clear that we can do better but we are well and we are competing.
“There are many national teams that are competing to be World champions. This World Cup is not about favorites, there are psychological and physical aspects. We will be in that fight but it will be difficult for everyone.
“We are very happy to have qualified. It seemed like it was going to be easy and it’s clear that it wasn’t.
“The World Cup is a long tournament and we have many options. We know that all the players can contribute what they have to offer.”
Scaloni also spoke about Lionel Messi:
“Even when the team was struggling, Leo stole the ball, he was committed. Being committed is for a reason and that’s what he brings. I don’t even know what else to say anymore, nothing is enough.
“When Leo gets fired up, everyone gets fired up.”
He also spoke about Lautaro Martínez; Julián Álvarez, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Otamendi:
“Lautaro did great work. He and Julián understand the message very well.
“We are happy that Lisandro is doing well. And it also gives us peace of mind that Otamendi is coming in like this. We are happy with them.”
Euro 2024
Netherlands 2 vs Austria 3.
Two games 1 shot on target from the opponents. Argentina is yet to concede a goal. Before it was the scary Algerians, watch out for those pacey wingers, Ha, they defeated the Netherlands in Amsterdam right before the WC, that didn’t pan out, they had zero shot on target. Next, it was the big and tall Austrians, Argentina will likely struggle against them on set pieces and corner kicks, they had one shot on target from a direct freekick, comfortable height and save for Martinez.
No team at this year’s World Cup is looking forward to playing against Argentina before the final.
“it was an excellent match,” I agree with this statement. Austria is better than Sweden, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia, Czechia, Croatia (2026) etc. for the Euro teams at this year’s World Cup who are not a part of the strong contenders, Austria is the strongest in this category. I see a team in Argentina who defended a lead against a strong opponent, staying organized for 90 plus minutes. Messi doing what he does best, could not ask for anything more. Job well done. Another decisive win.
Medina has a great game today both offensive and defensive. Now only one yet to.fimd rhythm is Almada.
I would like Alvarez starting ahead of Almada against Jordan.
Any news about Cuti ?