"Just playing well, being a contender, or a big team is not enough. You need many favorable factors for the path to the championship to be smooth," Scaloni told Ole on 2/6.
The coach of the Argentina national team emphasized this point by recalling the 2022 World Cup as one of the most challenging journeys. He cited three difficult moments when facing Arab Saudi, Ha Lan, and Phap. "We could have been eliminated by Ha Lan, or lost in the final against Phap," Scaloni added.
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Coach Scaloni (left) with the Argentina national team arriving in My to prepare for the World Cup on 31/5. Photo: AP |
Argentina's 2022 campaign began with a rude awakening in their opening match, where they lost 1-2 to Arab Saudi. However, Scaloni's team quickly recovered, securing first place in Group C with 2-0 victories against Mexico and Ba Lan. In the round of 16, they narrowly defeated Australia 2-1.
The quarter-final clash against Ha Lan proved particularly dramatic. Argentina led 2-0 until the 83rd minute before conceding two goals to draw 2-2. Lionel Messi and his teammates only advanced thanks to a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout. In the semi-finals, they secured an impressive 3-0 win against Croatia. The final against Phap created one of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history. The South American team led 2-0 until the 80th minute but was again equalized 2-2. In extra time, Argentina took a 3-2 lead, and Phap once more leveled the score. Ultimately, Messi and his teammates won the penalty shootout 4-2.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni believes Argentina remains a title contender. However, to defend their crown, he and his players will face challenges from many formidable teams such as: Tay Ban Nha, Phap, Bo Dao Nha, Anh, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Morocco, and Croatia, alongside some other teams he might have forgotten.
"We will give our best. This team is capable of facing challenges. Regardless of whether the ball goes into the net or not, as we often say, we will try to help every player feel like a part of the team," Scaloni affirmed.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in My, Mexico, and Canada from 11/6 to 19/7. The tournament will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups. The two top teams from each group and the 8 best third-place teams will advance to the round of 16. Argentina will play three matches in Group J against Algeria (16/6), Ao (22/6), and Jordan (27/6).
Thanh Quy (via Ole)
