Few imagined it a few weeks ago, after their opening defeat to Saudi Arabia. And yet, Argentina is the first country to qualify for the finals at the World Cup in Qatar. Not by half, moreover: the Albiceleste outclassed Croatia on Tuesday night in the semi-finals with a magical Messi and an opportunistic Alvarez. “Even if we started off losing, we were confident that this group would go forward,” explains the number 10, who was once again named man of the match. We asked people to trust us because we know what we are worth. This group is incredible, we did it, we did it, we are going to play another final… Once again Argentina is in the final of the World Cup! »
Once again yes, after the fiasco against Germany in 2014. Bad memories that don’t haunt Scaloni’s men at the moment. “We have worked a lot and we deserve it,” said midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. We have faith because we came here as South American champions. I never get tired of repeating it: inside the dressing room we knew we were capable of it. We suffered a blow at the start (2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia, editor’s note), but then every game was like a final, we had to win no matter what. This team showed what they were capable of. You have to thank the supporters, you identify with them. »
A state of mind defined by the defender Nicolas Otamendi: “We are 26 warriors, ready to fight for ours.” Solid defensively, able to be dangerous at any time on Messi’s brilliant runs, Enzo Fernandez’s passes or his midfielder’s pressure in the terrain, will Argentina will not be easy to take in the final. Let Morocco or France be warned. “Today there was fatigue, but we will look for strength in unexpected places, Messi continues. This group is very smart. He knows how to read moments in each struggle. It is an intelligent group that knows how to suffer when it is necessary to suffer.”
