FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni blasts ‘loopy’ schedule of final sixteen video games

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni mentioned it was “madness” for his crew to play their final 16 recreation towards Australia with simply two relaxation days after their final group match.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 1, 2022 09:14 IST

Argentina won’t take Australia evenly: Coach Lionel Scaloni (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Argentina supervisor Lionel Scaloni blasted the World Cup schedule, saying that it was “madness” for his crew to play their final 16 recreation towards Australia lower than 72 hours after qualifying from their group.

Lionel Messi missed a penalty within the first half, however Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez scored in a 2-0 victory over Poland at Stadium 974 on Wednesday, advancing each groups to the World Cup knockout levels.

Despite topping their group with among the finest crew performances of the World Cup, Scaloni’s aspect has someday much less preparation time than Poland, who face France on December 4.

“I think it’s absolute madness to play in nearly two days and a bit when we are top of the group. I can’t understand it,” Scaloni advised media after the sport at Doha’s 974 Stadium ended simply earlier than midnight.

“What time is it? Nearly one o’clock in the morning … Thursday, the next day is for preparation and then we play. Those aren’t good conditions but it’s the same for everyone. We’re first in the group. We could have had more rest.”

Given that their final group match was accomplished earlier on Wednesday, Australia can have a couple of hours extra time than Argentina to recuperate and put together. However, Scaloni’s remarks contact on the broader controversy surrounding the World Cup being held in Qatar because of the scorching climate and compressed timetable.

Scaloni additional warned his aspect to be cautious of Australia, who fought their technique to the final 16 with hard-fought victories over Denmark and Tunisia.

“Our fans should enjoy this. We are happy today but we don’t want to be euphoric,” he mentioned.

“All the games are hard. Anyone who thinks the match against Australia will be easy is wrong. We’re not favourites. If you think that just because we won today, we are going to become World Cup winners, you’re wrong.”

Scaloni mentioned he took striker Angel Di Maria off within the second half to guard him. “Di Maria had some discomfort in his quadriceps and we decided to substitute him. If there’s a chance that he gets injured then it’s not worth it,” he mentioned.

The Argentine coach lauded his crew’s defenders for neutralising Poland’s counter-attacks and conserving star ahead Robert Lewandowski quiet.

“We didn’t really allow them to counter-attack. It was to our credit. I think that we read the match very well. My players did a great job. They played very well and I am very happy.”

Published On:

Dec 1, 2022