Managing emotions before the World Cup final is not an easy task. These are moments of maximum tension, of concentration, but also of pride for playing the most important game in the world of football. And if Lionel Scaloni has tried to convey something in the hours leading up to the duel, it is the pride he feels for his players. During an appearance before the media, the technician could not help but get excited when evaluating the work of his men. A moment of enormous naturalness that has been applauded in Argentina.
“Yesterday we were talking. I just want to say thank you. Any Argentine would do the same," Scaloni said. “I am already moved, because they have given everything, sincerely. [Pause in which he is about to cry]. Let's hope to crown him tomorrow and, if not, let them be proud. It is a moment to enjoy it, I at least am enjoying it "and he left visibly moved.
Scaloni understands that this type of emotion is intrinsic to his country's fans. "Everything that is lived in Argentina is part of our culture, everything that surrounds us, the emotion that people are having. We have the best fans in the world and I don't know, for one thing or another, they need a joy. We are giving it to them. All this comes to you. And how can it not move you? In the end, football is a sport and in Argentina, although it is difficult to understand, it may be more than a sport," he explained at the conference press the technician.
And the people are happy. That they have been happy in this World Cup is something wonderful. The greatest emotion is to see the fans, the people, anyone on the street. Incredible images have arrived, people watching the game on a television that was behind a fence. These are things that excite ”, he assessed at the Qatar National Convention Center.
"I am in the place that any Argentine would like to be, in this position in the Argentine team. I am proud, very excited at the moment we are living. They are very beautiful moments, to enjoy," he said. "Although we are at the gates of a world final, the important thing is the path we follow, the squad we have and, in turn, being able to share it with the family is something spectacular. I am convinced that when you enjoy things, things taste different and they are taken in another way", assured Scaloni, to whom the criticisms of past times "seemed normal", of which he remarked that they "never" bothered him.
This Sunday awaits the World Cup final. France. And Kylian Mbappé, against Messi. "The game is Argentina against France. Beyond Messi and Mbappé, we believe that we both have the necessary weapons so that the game can be decided by other players, apart from the two of them. Let's hope that it falls on our side," said Scaloni, who considered "a team effort rather than individual" the marking and surveillance of the French star.
"France is not just Mbappé. They have other players who do even better. He is one of the great players, he is young and he will continue to improve. There is no doubt. France has variants in all sectors of the pitch, they can play the ball because they have players with a good footing and can play on the counterattack. The games are played minute by minute, they can change and we are prepared for that", he analyzed.
"There is a phrase made that the finals are won, not played. The finals have to be played as we have played the last games, knowing the difficulties of the rival, analyzing it, knowing where we can hurt the rival. The game is analyzed and work," he warned.
"We know how to attack them, the strengths they have and we will put a lot of emphasis on that," said the coach, who was also asked by referee Szymon Marciniak: "He led us against Australia (in the round of 16) and it was good. Now, with On the subject of VAR there are so many cameras available that in the end I don't think anyone can be harmed".
