Scaloni's Heartfelt Decisions Under Scrutiny After Argentina's World Cup Final Loss

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's head coach, is still being admired despite the team's World Cup final loss to Spain, with his tenure being hailed as the best in the nation's football history. The article suggests that even when Scaloni makes questionable decisions, he garners respect, implying a belief that his choices are often guided by emotion.

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Still with racing pulses and chewing on frustration, Lionel Scaloni was the first to greet and congratulate Spain's players, as well as coach Luis De la Fuente, his professor at the coaching school.

The final saw an overwhelming display of superiority from Spain, who defeated Argentina 1-0. Spain generated 16 scoring chances compared to Argentina's one, and registered 20 shots (12 on target) against Argentina's two. Only the saves by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and crucial defensive interventions by Montiel, Lisandro, and Otamendi prevented a larger deficit.

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His tenure at the helm of the national team will be remembered as the best in history, because logically it should not end yet, and besides, who knows how many years Argentina would have to wait to experience another similar one?

Scaloni made three significant lineup changes for the final, deviating from the team that performed well against England in the semifinals. These changes, including replacing Simeone with Rodrigo De Paul and Molina with Gonzalo Montiel, are analyzed as potentially more emotional than rational. De Paul, despite not having a strong tournament, was favored by Scaloni due to a perceived personal connection. The inclusion of Nicolás González over Paredes, which altered the team's tactical formation, is also discussed.

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The team could never compete in the final this Sunday against Spain. Not eleven against eleven, much less ten against eleven.

The article contrasts Scaloni's approach with a more logical selection, which might have involved repeating the semifinal lineup. It highlights that Montiel's inclusion was perhaps the most justifiable based on merit and team needs. However, Scaloni's perceived "weakness" for De Paul and his decision to start Nicolás González, who had been close to starting in earlier matches, suggest a blend of tactical considerations and personal conviction guiding his choices. The shift in formation from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-4-2 is noted, with Enzo Fernández playing a deeper midfield role.

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With De Paul, Scaloni has a special weakness; his heart told him that he had to be a starter in the final against Spain.