Argentina 'in good shape' for World Cup semifinal, says coach Scaloni
Argentina head into Wednesday's World Cup semifinal against England confident and well-rested, according to coach Lionel Scaloni, who dismissed concerns over fatigue and backed captain Lionel Messi to continue performing at the highest level.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the match in Atlanta, Scaloni said his players were physically ready for the challenge. "We are in good shape, and we really can't wait," he said. "This is a World Cup semifinal, and our hopes are intact. We are so grateful to these players for getting us here again."
The 2022 World Cup-winning coach brushed aside questions about tiredness after a series of demanding knockout matches, saying he would have accepted a semifinal berth at the start of the tournament regardless of how it was achieved.
"A month and a half ago, I would have taken getting to the semifinal if you had offered me that, so I don't mind how we got here," Scaloni said. "I can't reproach my players. Whether we are tired or not, I don't care. This is a World Cup semifinal."
Road to the semifinal
Argentina have had to fight through a gruelling knockout phase to reach this stage. They were twice pegged back before seeing off Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, then needed a late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta, before requiring another half-hour of extra time to eliminate 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals.
The side have leaned heavily on a squad that includes a 39-year-old Messi, who remains central to Argentina's hopes of reaching another final. Scaloni, who led the team to glory in 2022, said he had no complaints about how his side had reached this point.
"A month and a half ago, I would have taken getting to the semifinal if you had offered me that, so I don't mind how we got here," he said. "I can't reproach my players. Whether we are tired or not, I don't care. This is a World Cup semifinal."