Lautaro Martínez spoke about Argentina’s 3-1 win against Switzerland at the World Cup.
Martínez was substituted into the match for Argentina in their 3-1 win against Switzerland. The 28 year old scored Argentina’s third goal of the match, his second at the World Cup and Argentina’s second goal against Switzerland in extra time. Speaking to Doble Amarilla after the match, here is what he had to say:
“A huge relief. We faced a tough opponent. The World Cup has been really tough. We dug deep once again and luckily found some goals to secure the win.
“Today, Julian had a fantastic game. I tried to contribute what I could but the important thing is the result and we advanced. We know what’s coming against England, which is going to be great to play and enjoy.
“Proud too to be part of this group of players, this national team and this country.”
Kane will drop deep to release Bellingham so it will be 4 v 3 in midfield. If Rice injury prevents him to start or has to withdraw early Argentina will have chance as Messi would be freed.
Obviously, I always root for Argentina to win the WC, but sometimes, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate what we’re witnessing. This core group of the NT and the coaching staffs have given us so much happiness in the past 5 years. I am a “young” Albiceleste, only starting to watch football and root for Argentina since 2010, but even then, 11 years to finally watch they lifted a trophy felt like a very long period. We have won 4 trophies since 2021, we have made it back to the semi final after winning the last one. Remember when there’s a thing call the “WC curse” where the last champion get grouped? There’s no easy win in the WC, and I would never take each win for granted. If we didn’t make it to the final, I would still be proud of the squad and this campaign.
In terms of the tactics for England, I am of the same opinion as many people on this forum, Simeone should be introduced to the starting 11s, only one of Macca and RDP should start. But by no means do I think this is a “guranteed” improvement for the team, and if Scaloni thought otherwise, I would still not blame him if his approach lead to failure.
I am a big fan of depaul but now he is out of nick, he must consider the team first and leave that space for the last two matches.. I wish to replace him with inform lo celso or barco we need some creativity other than messi which we didnt had even when swiss played 60mnts with 10man… For lautaro he is the super sub of this worldcup and made very important clearance for us
IMHO, we need a different starting XI against England. The current combination simply isn’t giving us enough control.
After taking the lead against Switzerland, we were second best for long periods. Until the red card changed the dynamics, they were dictating the game and exposing the same weaknesses we’ve seen throughout the tournament—something our critics will understandably point to.
My preferred XI:
Dibu
Palacios – Romero – Lisandro – Tagliafico
Simeone – Lo Celso – Mac Allister – Paredes
Messi – Álvarez
I would also think twice before starting De Paul and Molina. Both have been tremendous contributors for Argentina, but based on current form and physical demands, England may require fresher legs and greater athleticism from the first whistle. Sentiment cannot dictate selection at this stage of the World Cup. We need the XI that gives us the best chance of reaching the final.
But I know Scaloni would not change his starting XI. So the same exhausted team would start and England would be all over us.
1)Licha/ Romero combination is not as good as Romero/ Otamendi
2)We can’t start with 4 cm mf.Either de paul or maca should start
3)Paredes is must against England to stop Bellingham
4)Another option: We can start both Lopez and alvarez in front.