Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has finally spoken out regarding accusations that the team is being favored. He stated that many do not want Argentina to win the World Cup for a second consecutive time; consequently, the team is using this criticism as motivation to play even better. NDTV Online reported this story. From favorable refereeing decisions to a relatively easy knockout draw, various controversies have surrounded Argentina during the current World Cup. If the defending champions defeat Switzerland in the quarter-final—scheduled for Saturday local time (Sunday, 7 AM Bangladesh time)—they will reach the last four without having faced any of the world’s top-10 ranked teams. After Argentina came back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against Egypt in the Round of 16, the Egyptian camp alleged that the World Cup was ‘rigged’ to favor Argentina. Scaloni addressed this issue for the first time during a press conference ahead of the quarter-final against Switzerland. He acknowledged that this external chatter has reached the players. Scaloni said, “The thing is, we won the previous World Cup. So, perhaps many people don’t want us to win again.
We know that. Yes, this talk reaches the players too.” He added, “We use criticism or comments as a source of defiant energy. We cultivate a mindset that allows the players to perform even better.” Referencing the 1986 World Cup, the Argentina coach noted that such allegations are nothing new. In Scaloni’s words, “As you yourselves mentioned, it has been 40 years since 1986. Even back then, it was said that we received favors. So, this isn’t new.” He continued, “As far as I recall, Argentina has always been a team surrounded by World Cup controversies. We use this to show the players that many people do not want Argentina to win. That is natural—just as there are many who do not wish to see other national teams win either.”
During the match against Egypt, a goal scored in the second half was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The decision sparked significant controversy because it stemmed from an incident that occurred more than ten seconds before the goal was scored. However, Scaloni maintains that VAR officials are simply adhering to the rules established prior to the tournament. He stated, “I believe that with VAR, it is very difficult to deliberately help anyone. Very difficult.” Scaloni added that there is no room for ambiguous interpretations with VAR; the training provided before the World Cup clearly demonstrated—through video examples—how decisions would be made in various situations, and those rules are being followed to the letter.
