Argentina coach describes the relentless late attacks against England as “there was blood in the water, and we went for it.”
Published On 16 Jul 2026
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s never‑give‑up attitude after another late‑game resurgence beat England and secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final.
Speaking on Wednesday, Scaloni said his side sensed an opportunity when England defended deeply after taking a 1‑0 lead in the semifinal in Atlanta. Argentina seized the moment and clinched a deserved 2‑1 victory.
“I think this team plays best when faced with adversity,” Scaloni said. “We had a challenging game, a challenging situation.”
“There was blood in the water, and we went for it. That’s the feeling I got,” he added.
“You just have to keep going. We hit the crossbar, we hit the post, and it just couldn’t go in. There were six or seven chances, but I’m pleased because the team fought to the very end, and I think that’s crucial.”
This marked the second time Argentina had overturned a late deficit in the knockout stage, following their last‑16 escape against Egypt—a victory Scaloni previously called “epic.”
When asked how to describe Wednesday’s triumph, Scaloni replied, “Epic squared?”
The win advances Argentina to a final against European champions Spain in New Jersey on Sunday, a result Scaloni attributed to collective effort.
“This group is difficult to explain. It’s a demonstration of our collectiveness, our brotherhood, and the fight to the very end,” Scaloni said.
The Argentina coach, who could lift the South Americans to four consecutive major trophies after Copa América successes either side of the 2022 World Cup, noted his players remained unflinched while pulling themselves back into the contest.
“I know the guys. They fear nothing,” he said. “They don’t feel the weight on their shoulders.”
“They’re playing like they’re seven or eight years old. They’re not thinking about ‘what will happen if we miss,’ or about the semifinal or final.”
