DOHA: Argentina players read the moments of the game and adapted brilliantly to the playing style of Croatia for the resounding semifinal win, according to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
“I don't think the result reflects that superiority we had. I do believe we deserved to win, but I don't know whether it had to be with such a wide margin. From the start, they controlled the ball perfectly. We expected that, taking into account their top-class midfielders, who have played together for 4 or 5 years, they know each other pretty well. They make it very difficult to defend,” the 44-year-old said after the 3-0 win against Croatia.
“The general feeling was that they dominated in terms of possession, and we adapted to that style of play whenever needed. Naturally, the game opened up after the penalty. But all in all, we did what we had to throughout the game.”
Scaloni said he was rejoicing like every other Argentines after reaching the final.
“I will try not to get too emotional. It's difficult to put into words. I'm living the dream of any Argentinian. Everyone would react like me, if they were in my shoes. Whenever you play for your country and represent it, it's impossible not to give your all as the lads do, and it's exciting. You may win or lose, but to be honest, being here is exciting, and our people's support is really incredible. We go hand in hand.”
“Not doing so is difficult. When we go through tough moments, like when we lost to Saudi Arabia, our people were backing us up. We felt that support, and that is priceless.”
“It's a moment to celebrate, especially as Argentina is at the top of the football world. That's a reason to be happy. It's time to celebrate, and later we'll think about Sunday.”
Argentina controlled the match after the first 30 minutes of the match and continued it in the second-half.
“In the second half we saw good passing, we strung together more passes, suffered less, but you need to know how to approach the game and what's required at any given moment.
Scaloni said he is proud of the Argentine coaching staff.
“We've experienced really intense things with the national team, both positive and negative. There are so many moments between the team members and the coaches, to share that is positive for the players.”
“So I think we have a coaching staff who live for the national team, and suffer with them, with the fans, with the players.”
The manager said it was a nice feeling to be able to give a chance to their 23 players in the squad.
“Well, winning is always good and winning like that ahead of a final, it's the best rest and the best remedy possible. On top of that, it's no small feat to be able to have played all 23 outfield players.”
Scaloni said the match against Croatia was not as easy as it seems.
“We have played some matches with more intensity than this. But the occasion of the World Cup semifinal makes this all the more big. I can assure you that playing against this team isn't easy.”
He said the squad wants to close the chapter of some flare-ups during the quarterfinal against the Netherlands.
“The match unfolded and the Netherlands played the match the way they did. We all fought. But I don't want those things to come from our side, it came from their side first. Also, I want to turn that page.”
The coach mentioned the role of Julian Alvarez in the semifinal win.
“Julian has played incredibly today, not only for his brace, but also because he's been outstanding in tackling the three Croatian midfielders. We sometimes played with only two midfielders, as our two wingers had to cover the advancing of their midfielders, and Julian could stop Brozovic or any other Croatia midfielder. He has had an incredible display all over the field.”
“He's a disciplined guy, and we're very happy with what he did, especially because he managed to find the net. That's always great for a forward.”
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