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Scaloni downplays final experience edge for Argentina against Spain
🇨🇱 Chile /Sports

Scaloni downplays final experience edge for Argentina against Spain

From Cooperativa · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni downplayed the advantage of having played in the 2022 World Cup final ahead of the 2026 final against Spain.
  • Scaloni stated that both teams have experienced players and that focus shifts to the game once it begins.
  • He emphasized the importance of unity and the support of the fans for the team.

Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentine national team, dismissed the notion that having played in the 2022 World Cup final gives his team an advantage over Spain in the upcoming 2026 World Cup final. Scaloni argued that Spain also possesses players with experience in major tournaments.

The pressure, when the ball starts rolling, the player forgets. I don't think it's a handicap, quite the opposite. It's not fundamental that we played a final, they have also played the Euro and Nations League finals.

— Lionel ScaloniAddressing the perceived advantage of having played in a previous World Cup final.

"The pressure, when the ball starts rolling, the player forgets," Scaloni said during the official pre-match press conference. "I don't think it's a handicap, quite the opposite. It's not fundamental that we played a final, they have also played the Euro and Nations League finals."

Scaloni explained that while Spain was analyzed for the Finalissima, they were also considered alongside other potential World Cup opponents. He stressed the importance of not overanalyzing, stating, "We all know their virtues and we will try to hurt them in the areas where they might suffer."

We all know their virtues and we will try to hurt them in the areas where they might suffer.

— Lionel ScaloniDescribing the tactical approach against Spain.

The coach also touched upon the emotional impact of the fans' support, noting how their celebrations resonate deeply. "We play for them, for those people who are waiting to see the national team," he expressed. He highlighted the unity within the fanbase, seeing Boca and River fans embracing, and believes this collective spirit is crucial for a World Cup campaign.

We play for them, for those people who are waiting to see the national team.

— Lionel ScaloniOn the motivation derived from fan support.

Regarding his relationship with Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente, Scaloni mentioned a brief, surreal encounter at a FIFA event. He expressed admiration for Spain's current form under De la Fuente, stating, "How can I not be concerned about Spain, they are a great team that is having a great run with Luis and I'm happy about it."

How can I not be concerned about Spain, they are a great team that is having a great run with Luis and I'm happy about it.

— Lionel ScaloniCommenting on the Spanish team and their coach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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