Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his gamers from accusations of misconduct of their fractious World Cup quarter-final in opposition to the Netherlands, insisting on Monday that the sport was performed within the “proper approach”. The South American group have recovered from a shock defeat by the hands of Saudi Arabia of their opening group sport in Qatar to succeed in the final 4.
However the two-time champions have been closely criticised following their bad-tempered last-eight conflict with the Netherlands final week. Scaloni’s aspect threw away a two-goal lead in opposition to the Dutch at Lusail Stadium however ultimately triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out.
Nevertheless, the sport featured a World Cup file 18 yellow playing cards and a number of mass confrontations, and FIFA has since opened disciplinary proceedings in opposition to each side. Argentina might be with out Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna as a consequence of suspension in opposition to 2018 finalists Croatia because of this, however Scaloni, talking on the eve of the semi-final, stood up for his males.
“The sport the opposite day was performed in the suitable approach by each groups. That’s soccer,” stated the 44-year-old, who led Argentina to victory finally yr’s Copa America.
“There are occasions when you must assault and instances when you must defend, instances too when there could be arguments. Everyone knows how you can win and how you can lose. After we misplaced to Saudi Arabia we left with out saying something, and after we received the Copa America in Brazil I believe we noticed some of the stunning photos of fine sportsmanship in soccer with Neymar and Messi and (Leandro) Paredes collectively on the steps on the Maracana.
“I do not purchase this concept that we do not know how you can win. The sport was performed in the suitable approach.”
Scaloni was non-committal over the way forward for Lionel Messi however stated he would “get pleasure from having him” whereas he was nonetheless enjoying. Messi, 35, admitted earlier than the match that this may in all probability his final World Cup.
Scaloni, whose personal quick worldwide profession briefly crossed paths with that of Messi’s, has expressed hope that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will proceed to play worldwide soccer. “Let’s have a look at if he retains enjoying or not however for the second we’re simply going to get pleasure from having him,” he stated. “It is the very best factor that would occur to us and to the soccer world.”
Scaloni, who was an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli on the 2018 World Cup, when Argentina misplaced 3-0 to Croatia within the group stage, additionally urged that each Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Di Maria must be match for Tuesday’s sport after damage issues.
“In concept they’re obtainable and so we’re relaxed about that,” he stated. “We have to see what number of minutes they will play, however we are going to see later at present and we even have time tomorrow to determine.”
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