Argentina Made to Suffer in Cape Verde World Cup Scare, Says Scaloni

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his team had to work extremely hard for their 3-2 extra-time victory against Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

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I hope you realize that there is no easy opponent. Congratulations to Cape Verde. We knew they would be a tough, difficult opponent.

Scaloni emphasized that no opponent should be underestimated, congratulating Cape Verde for their surprisingly strong showing in their debut World Cup appearance. "I hope you realize that there is no easy opponent. Congratulations to Cape Verde. We knew they would be a tough, difficult opponent," he stated in a press conference.

Despite the match being more stressful than necessary, Scaloni believes Argentina deserved to win. He commended his team for not giving up, even when facing setbacks. "This team did not lower its arms. The opponent didn't either, but in the end, we took the victory," he added.

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This team did not lower its arms. The opponent didn't either, but in the end, we took the victory.

Scaloni acknowledged that conceding goals at crucial moments made the game challenging. However, he praised his players for continuing to push for the win. "We received blows at specific moments, and sometimes that prevents you from going for the game, but we did it. That is much more important than other things," he concluded.

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We received blows at specific moments, and sometimes that prevents you from going for the game, but we did it. That is much more important than other things.