Lionel Scaloni was self-critical after the national team's victory against Switzerland: "Today we did suffer"

The Argentine National Team is already among the top four in the 2026 World Cup. After drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes, the Albiceleste defeated 3-1 Switzerland in extra time and advanced to the semifinals, where they will face England. After the match, Lionel Scaloni acknowledged in a press conference that it was the most complicated match of the tournament for the national team, praised the physical strength of the opponent, valued the response of his players, and began to anticipate the next challenge.

"It was a tough match"

First of all, Scaloni did not hide the difficulties posed by Switzerland and admitted that Argentina never felt comfortable during the match. "Tough was an understatement. We found an opponent that put us in a bind, physically very strong. We struggled to win duels, we struggled to string together five or six passes, and that is the reality", he acknowledged.

However, he highlighted the team's ability to overcome adversity: "We always have one more in us and in the end, we pull through. It helps us a lot to know what we might encounter. To reach a World Cup semifinal is very difficult without suffering. We suffered, in Qatar we also suffered, perhaps playing better than today, but we also suffered".

The coach also valued the team's journey from the preparation prior to the tournament. "A month and a half ago, the outlook was bleak and today we can say we are in the semifinals. It is only thanks to the players. I had thought about changing several players and they have proven me right. This indicates that football is not two plus two", he stated.

England, a match "just about football"

When asked about the semifinal against England, Scaloni avoided adding extra pressure to the match and asked to focus solely on the sporting aspect. "It is a football match. Let's not look for anything else. We are going to play a football match against a great team, which has a great coach whom I appreciate and admire a lot. It is a football match, period. There is nothing more to it", he emphasized.

Walter Samuel's work on set pieces

One of the Argentine goals came again through a set play, and Scaloni revealed that the action had been specifically worked on by Walter Samuel. "We went to greet him because he insisted a lot that at that near post Alexis (Mac Allister) could win and that Leo (Messi) should throw it there. In the previous match, Alexis had also had a couple of situations in that area", he explained.

Additionally, he praised the work of the member of his coaching staff: "The recognition is for him because he works tirelessly. Not just on set pieces. We are good in that aspect and we know our strengths. I don't know if we are a powerhouse, but we are a team that today also causes damage in that way".

"Today we did suffer"

When asked about the footballing level of the National Team, Scaloni acknowledged that this time the team was far from its best version. "Today we did suffer. Also because the opponent plays, because they study you, and because they were very physically strong. They won the duels, the second balls, and all that complicates things for you", he analyzed.

Nonetheless, he clarified that he does not share the criticisms regarding the overall performance of the team during the World Cup. "Aside from today's match, I am satisfied with the team's performance. Against Egypt and Cape Verde, the team tried, had more possession, and created situations. Today was indeed a complicated match, and we must also congratulate the opponent", he maintained.

Five World Cups, five semifinals

Scaloni was also asked about a historical fact: in the last five tournaments he has led Argentina, he has always reached the semifinals (Copa América 2019, 2021, and 2024 and World Cups 2022 and 2026). "I hadn't realized that, but it is something to be satisfied with. We don't have the potion for why. As we always say, without the players we have, it would be difficult", he expressed.

At the same time, he again highlighted the team's attitude. "Today was another test that, against an opponent much superior to what we had been facing, the team kept trying. Perhaps not playing the way we should have, but with other attributes. That is commendable, although it is evident that we need to improve", he added.

Experience, an advantage over Qatar

Scaloni assured that the squad faced this type of match with much more calm than in the previous World Cup. "I already know what this group is made of. No adversity is going to make us change. Even after the draw and the expulsion, things looked bleak, but they kept going", he explained.

He then compared the situation to that experienced four years ago: "In Qatar, we had several rookies. Today these situations no longer find us in difficulty. Before, it seemed much more serious for the opponent to dominate you or equalize. Today we maintain our calm knowing that we are not going to give up and that we have people on the bench who can change the match".

The relief from the forwards' goals

The coach also celebrated that Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez scored again. "The other day I was asked why 70 or 80 percent of the goals were scored by Leo, and I said that I wasn't worried because they had had chances. Today that they scored, I am even less worried", he assured.

He especially praised the attitude of the Inter forward. "It is not easy to be in the situation Lautaro is in. He had played the first four matches, left the team, Julián came in, and yet, in these two matches he has been decisive. I have to thank him for the behavior he is showing", he stated.

Scaloni also highlighted the commitment of those waiting for their opportunity: "They understand it. Logically they won't be happy, but they push forward, train hard, challenge you, and when they come in, they show that they are ready. That for me is one of the best".

The rotation in the full-backs

Regarding the constant changes in the full-backs, the coach explained that they are solely due to physical reasons. "The full-backs have been playing practically the same minutes since I've been here. We have always done it. When we see that one is slowing down a bit, the other comes in. There is not much secret to it, that is the reality", he explained.

He also recalled again the difficulties with which the squad arrived at the tournament. "When I say that a month and a half ago things did not look good, today this is a huge triumph after everything we thought could happen with these kids", he valued.

The worst match of the World Cup

Scaloni agreed that it was probably Argentina's least convincing performance, although he preferred to first highlight the merit of the opponent. "Let's give credit to the opponent first, as that is the main thing. Then I have to analyze it. I have an idea, but I need to see it", he replied.

The moment to change the match

The coach explained that the expulsion of Breel Embolo completely changed the course of the match and it was the moment he decided to take risks. "When they sent Embolo off we saw that a possibility opened up. At that point, we didn't hesitate. One of the things I learned as a coach is that when you believe you need to do something, you have to do it at the right moment", he revealed.

He then detailed the tactical changes he made: "By putting Lautaro in, putting Thiago in, moving Nico up to left-back, we made the opponent change and start defending with a back five. We saw that it had to be done, and the important thing is that we did it".

"We won out of ambition"

For Scaloni, the emotional aspect ended up being decisive during extra time. "We won out of ambition, because we didn't want to go to penalties. At one point in the match, we said we were going to win it. When you put that in your head, it is a positive signal", he affirmed.

He then acknowledged that the victory was more about character than about play. "It was about the emotional aspect, the desire to win, not so much about the game. They put on great pressure and we were not able to keep the ball as we wanted", he admitted.

Thinking positively

Finally, now that qualification is secured, Scaloni preferred to focus on the achieved objective rather than on the footballing shortcomings. "Let's think that we are in the semifinals. It is an incredible signal. It is something to be more than satisfied, happy, and hopeful. Now we are going to go all the way to the end with the last strength we have and with the last drop of sweat", he assured.