World Cup 2026: Argentina's Romero calls for defensive improvement

Cristian 'Cuti' Romero, a key defender for the Argentine national team, admitted that the squad must elevate its performance. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against Switzerland, Romero expressed concern over the team conceding four goals in their last two games. "We definitely need to improve because they scored four goals against us in the last two matches. It bothers us a bit that they score goals against us," he stated.

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We definitely need to improve because they scored four goals against us in the last two matches. It bothers us a bit that they score goals against us.

Romero also addressed his unexpected attacking foray in a recent match, where he scored a header. He clarified that his push forward was a spontaneous reaction to the game's circumstances, particularly when trailing 2-0, and not a pre-planned tactic. "Going up as a No. 9 was an impulse. These are plays that the game leads you to when you are down 2-0. It didn't come from the coaching staff; if Scaloni saw me, he would kill me," he said with a laugh, emphasizing that his primary role is defense, though he enjoys contributing offensively.

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Going up as a No. 9 was an impulse. These are plays that the game leads you to when you are down 2-0. It didn't come from the coaching staff; if Scaloni saw me, he would kill me.

Coach Lionel Scaloni, in his pre-match press conference, reflected on the team's journey in the tournament. He acknowledged that while the team is performing well overall, "there are occasional errors." Scaloni drew parallels to the previous World Cup in Qatar, noting the difficulty of replicating such a successful campaign. He highlighted the team's resilience, mentioning their ability to play freely even when behind, a characteristic he views positively.

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He will be the best until he feels like it, but the time will come when that will end.

Scaloni also commented on the performance of star player Lionel Messi, stating, "He will be the best until he feels like it, but the time will come when that will end." He expressed confidence in the team's current state, despite the challenges. "Beyond how the World Cup is going, I think we are doing well," Scaloni concluded, referencing the team's ability to compete effectively in the demanding tournament.

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Beyond how the World Cup is going, I think we are doing well.