Argentina's World Cup squad is the oldest among quarter-finalists, coach bets on experience

For crucial World Cup matches, Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni relies on his "old guard." The team's starting lineup for the upcoming semi-final qualifier against Switzerland will average 30.09 years, making it the second oldest starting XI in the tournament's nearly 100 games. Only Iran's group stage team, with an average age of 31.27, was older.

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For the important matches, Lionel Scaloni does not hesitate. When the time comes for truth, he bets on the old guard.

This emphasis on experience extends to the entire squad. Argentina's 26-player roster boasts an average age of 29.05, the highest among the remaining quarter-finalists. This continuity is a hallmark of the team that won the 2022 World Cup, with 19 players from that squad still present.

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I consider that the changes we made were because we thought the team could improve in that way.

Scaloni addressed the limited participation of younger players, stating that changes are made when he believes the team can improve. He cited the positive impact of Leandro Paredes on ball circulation and possession in a recent match. "If we haven't put other players in, it's because we believe the team is fine like this," Scaloni explained, defending his choices based on team dynamics and performance.

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I believe that with the entry of Leandro (Paredes) the team improved in circulation and possession, we are more present in the opponent's half.