Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players after their dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, saying the team has already achieved something “incredible” and will now give everything to win the title.Argentina came from behind in Atlanta to book a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain. England, meanwhile, missed out on reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 and will now face France in the third-place playoff. Scaloni was full of praise for his squad and thanked every player, including those who came off the bench.“We have to thank the players. It’s hard to explain what this group has done with words. We’re going to try to win the final, but what these guys have already achieved is incredible. I am grateful to the players. Without them it would be impossible. A special mention for those who don’t play and support from the outside. It’s an incredible group. Those who came on from the bench today were fundamental,” Scaloni said during the post-match press conference.
‘We’re going to give it everything’
Scaloni said personal praise does not matter to him. His only concern is making sure the team is ready for every challenge.“Hopefully people think something good of me, but honestly, it doesn’t worry me. That doesn’t move me. My concern is that the boys come out onto the field in good shape and that there’s always a tomorrow. I think we are fair winners. We are prepared to face what comes next”.Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Scaloni promised that Argentina would leave nothing behind in their bid to retain the World Cup.“We’re going to try to win, we’re going to give it everything. But this is already impressive. We’re unique and it’s not arrogance. It’s heart. The jersey deserves it. Give everything until the end, hold nothing back,” Scaloni said.
‘This team plays better when it’s in trouble’
Scaloni said his side never stopped believing despite trailing late in the match. He felt Argentina created enough chances and kept attacking until the breakthrough came.“In football as in life, you have to give everything until the end. This team plays better when it’s in trouble. If it didn’t go in, we would’ve lost 1-0 with seven goal-scoring chances. We kept pushing until the end. We thought the match against Egypt was the peak, and this one surpassed it,” Scaloni said.He also spoke about how quickly emotions change in football.“These are the only moments of pure happiness we have. Tomorrow, the bitterness starts all over again. These players don’t feel weighed down by the responsibility. We’re not successful just because we win or not. The most important thing is how we face the situations,” he added.
Argentina set up final against Spain
England went ahead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon and looked on course for victory. But Argentina fought back strongly.Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lionel Messi set up Lautaro Martinez for the stoppage-time winner, completing a stunning comeback.The match remained closely fought throughout, with both teams creating few clear chances in the first half. Argentina will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, while England will take on France in the third-place playoff.
