Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni said his team smelt blood when England hung back in the World Cup semifinal at Atlanta on Wednesday. After a hard-fought goalless first half, the Three Lions took the lead in the 55th when Anthony Gordon found the back of the net.
However, England then adopted a defensive approach, and Argentina was able to capitalise as they launched a wave of attacks. The Argentinian players had plenty of room to work with as the English took defensive positions in their half.
In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning goal from distance to equalise for La Albiceleste, whereas substitute Lautaro Martinez scored a match-winning goal from a header after a perfect assist from none other than Lionel Messi.
Scaloni said his team plays its best football when they are put under the cosh.
“This team plays best when facing adversity,” Scaloni said after his side’s 2-1 victory. “The opponent hesitates a bit, we smell blood, and we go for it. That’s the feeling I’m left with.”
Scaloni expressed his delight after helping Argentina qualify for the World Cup final for the second consecutive time.
“It is a great joy for our country and our people, and this group never ceases to amaze me,” Scaloni said.
“We’re going to give it our all (in the final), but after this, it’s very tough… It’s not arrogance, but we are unique.”
“We would have been satisfied even if we’d lost, knowing we gave everything and created six or seven scoring options.
“Football isn’t just about playing great, like we did in the second half. It’s about everything, knowing how to suffer.
Earlier, Argentina had beaten England in the knockout matches of the 1986 and 1998 World Cups, but Scaloni downplayed comparing the 2026 triumph with previous wins.
“I can’t compare it to that match against England [in the 1986 World Cup]… Diego’s [Maradona] second goal was magnificent; it went down in history.
“This was more nerve-wracking than the match against Egypt, even though we played better today; the whole thing was incredible.
“We have to enjoy this now, because tomorrow we start thinking about Sunday’s final against Spain”
Argentina will face Spain in the summit clash of the World Cup at New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
