Argentina did not change tactics against Croatia
* Argentina - Croatia: 2:00 pm on December 14, on MetaSports.
"We have our own system and style of play. Of course, in certain situations, we need to take into account the way the opponent plays," Scaloni said on December 12 in a pre-match press conference. "But we're not going to change the style beyond the system. The team will just change depending on how the game goes and the challenge."
Croatia has just defeated Japan and Brazil respectively in the penalty shootout to recreate the historic journey at the 2018 World Cup. In Russia four years ago, Croatia in turn defeated Denmark 3-2 in the round of 16, Russia 4- 3 in the quarterfinals when entering the penalty shootout, then beat England 2-1 in extra time in the semi-finals.
Scaloni praised Croatia having many great players, and believes the opponent will not change the way they play at Lusail today. The 44-year-old coach also sees midfielder Luka Modric as a role model for many Argentine players, because of his talent and proper manners.
In the quarterfinals, Argentina also beat the Netherlands on penalties, after letting the opponent equalize 2-2 in the official 90 minutes. Besides professional problems, the match at Lusail field also witnessed 18 yellow cards - a record at a World Cup match. In it, referee Antonio Mateu withdrew two cards for members of the Argentine coaching staff, assistant Walter Samuel and Scaloni himself, for a reaction error. The tension peaked in the 88th minute, when Leandro Paredes fouled Nathan Ake and then shot the ball straight into the Dutch technical area. Captain Virgil van Dijk immediately rushed in to push his chest, causing Paredes to fall to the field, while players from both teams rushed into a scuffle.
However, Scaloni denied that Argentina kicked badly and always respected all opponents. He also cited the fact that Lionel Messi, Paredes and Neymar sat happily chatting in the tunnel, after the final of the Copa America 2021, where Argentina won 1-0 thanks to an Angel Di Maria goal.
"Netherlands and Argentina were both caught up in the game," Scaloni said. "Every game has controversy or fierce tackles, and that's why the referee is on the pitch. Argentina always plays with pride, respect for all teams, and that's one of the special features. our main point".
In this quarter-final, captain Lionel Messi repeatedly provoked the Netherlands both during and after the semi-finals. After scoring to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot, the 35-year-old striker congratulated his teammates and ran towards the Dutch coaching staff, saying, "You asked where Messi is? Where are you now? ?", jumped up and put his hands close to his ears.
After the game, Messi went to the technical area of the Netherlands, pointing while telling Louis van Gaal and his assistant Edgar Davids that before the game they had said too many bad things in the media about him and Argentina. In an interview afterwards, Messi also scolded Weghorst when he saw the Dutch striker approaching: "What are you looking at, you idiot? Go away".
Scaloni was not surprised by these reactions, emphasizing that Messi always plays with determination towards victory. He also called on the captain striker to continue to contribute to Argentina after the 2022 World Cup, regardless of achievements.
Today, Argentina are without Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel because of suspension, but Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul can start.
