Scaloni hails Argentina’s spirit after reaching second successive World Cup final | OneFootball

Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to the character of his Argentina players after they came from behind to beat England 2-1 and book their place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

The defending champions recovered from conceding the opening goal in Atlanta, producing a dominant display after the break to earn another shot at football’s biggest prize.

Scaloni admitted he was overwhelmed by the achievement, praising both his players and the thousands of Argentina supporters who travelled to back the team.

“Well, I’m lost for words,” he said.

“A great happiness for our country and our people. And another great happiness for this group, who just do not know when they are beaten.”

Argentina are now one victory away from retaining the World Cup, but Scaloni acknowledged the scale of the challenge that still lies ahead.

“I can tell them that we are going to try to win, we’re going to leave it all out there,” he said.

“But the truth is that to do this is very difficult. It’s very difficult for people to understand what our players have given. It is so impressive.”

England had taken a 55th minute lead through Anthony Gordon before Argentina gradually took control of the semi-final with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez and eventually completing the comeback to end Thomas Tuchel’s side’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966.

Scaloni believes his team’s resilience has become one of their defining qualities throughout the tournament.

“We are unique,” he said. “It’s not arrogance, it is all heart.”

The Argentina manager also reserved special praise for the supporters who created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening in Atlanta.

“Today so many people arrived here to support us and for that I am truly grateful,” he added.

“This shirt merits us giving absolutely everything possible until the very end. To not spare anything at all.”

Argentina will now face either Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final as they attempt to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.