Lionel Scaloni’s Emotions and Team Choices After Argentina Beat England

Scaloni Was Very Happy After the Big Win

Lionel Scaloni (the coach of Argentina’s national soccer team) was visibly emotional after Argentina beat England. This win gave Argentina a ticket to the final of the World Cup (the biggest soccer tournament in the world).

What He Said in the Press Conference

In a press meeting where reporters ask questions, Scaloni talked about:

• How he manages the group of players
• How hard it was for the coaching team to make big decisions
• One tough choice was leaving Rodrigo de Paul (a player) out of the starting team

He said:

"A mí cómo no me va a doler dejar a Rodrigo en el banco. Me duele porque aparte de ser un chico que a nosotros nos dio un montón, yo me siento identificado muchísimo con él, con su manera de jugar"

In simple words: It hurts me to leave Rodrigo on the bench. He has given us a lot, and I feel a strong connection with how he plays.

Rodrigo De Paul came in during the second half – Credits: @Aníbal Greco / Enviado Especial

Decisions Are About the Team, Not Personal

Scaloni explained that choices like this are not personal. They are made to help the team in each specific match.

He said:

"Hacemos lo que creemos que el partido necesita. Y nos podemos equivocar. Yo siempre lo dije, capaz que nos equivocamos. Pero esa historia de que pensaban que no ponía o sacaba jugadores porque nos habían dado, no existe"

Simple version: We do what we think the game needs. We might be wrong, but the idea that we leave players out for other reasons is false.

Big Players Accept the Bench

Because the team works well together, famous players can accept sitting out when the game plan needs it. Scaloni gave examples:

• Leandro Paredes
• Nicolás Otamendi
• Ángel Di María

These stars have all been on the bench before when tactics (the plan for the match) required it.

Lionel Scaloni reflected on Argentina’s win over England

The Bench Players Were Super Important

Scaloni praised the players who came in from the bench. He said the depth of the team (having good players even off the field) was key to beating England.

He said:

"Si no tenés eso que tiene en el banco, por más mago que sea, no hace nada"

Meaning: If you don’t have what we have on the bench, even a magician can’t do anything.

Examples of great subs:

• Lautaro Martínez (scored goals, never gives up)
• Rodrigo de Paul (played well after coming in)
• “El Caballo” (came in well)
• Nico González (came in well)

Looking Ahead to the Final vs. Spain

Scaloni also talked about the upcoming final against Spain and his bond with Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente:

• De la Fuente was Scaloni’s teacher in a coaching course
• They have a special relationship
• Scaloni called Spain a great team doing brilliant work

But Scaloni made his stance clear:

"Vivo en España, tengo familia española, pero el domingo, lo siento, vamos a intentar ganarles"

Simple: I live in Spain and have Spanish family, but on Sunday, sorry, we will try to beat them.

He ended by saying it will be a nice match and hoped Spaniards are happy Argentina is in the final, since Messi has given Spain many joys.

Important Point
Scaloni’s message: Tough team choices are made for the match, not against anyone. A strong bench helped Argentina win, and the final against Spain will be friendly but competitive.

Summary

• Argentina beat England and reached the World Cup final.
• Scaloni was emotional and explained hard choices like benching De Paul.
• Decisions are based on what the game needs, not personal issues.
• Star players accept benching when tactics say so.
• Bench players like Lautaro and Rodrigo were crucial.
• Final is vs. Spain; Scaloni respects their coach but wants to win.

FAQ

1. Why was Rodrigo de Paul not in the starting team?
Because the coaching staff thought the match plan needed a different setup. It was not personal.

2. What does “depth of the plantel” mean?
It means having many good players, even those not starting, who can help win games.

3. Who is Luis de la Fuente?
He is Spain’s coach and was Scaloni’s teacher; they are friends but rivals in the final.

4. What did Scaloni say about playing Spain?
He loves Spain but will try to win the final against them on Sunday.