Ahead of Argentina‘s final group game against Poland on Wednesday, head coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken to the media and he says he’s happy Brazil have secured their passage to the last 16.
Despite the historic rivalry between the two nations, Scaloni appealed to a shared South American identity and insists he’ll be backing the Brazilians if Argentina bow out.
“As for Brazil, I’m happy Brazil are through, I’m a big fan of South American football, and whoever says differently is mistaken,” said Scaloni.
“If Argentina aren’t there, I’d prefer a South American [team] to win.
“I have great friends in Brazil. They’ve won two games and I congratulate them for it.”
Argentina must beat Poland to be relatively sure of going through to the last 16. Saudi Arabia are only behind them on goal difference (by two) and if they beat Mexico, it could make for a tense evening.
As for his approach to the game, Scaloni says he will be staying true to the style Argentina have been playing so far.
“Against Mexico, we finished with five at the back,” said Scaloni.
“[On Wednesday] we will begin the game the way we have been playing and over the course of the game we’ll consider any decisions we may need to make.
“Poland don’t just have players who are strong in the air, they also have good footballers who are quick, technical.”
On the opposition, the Argentina coach suspects Poland may make changes, but he knows they have the flexibility to do so.
“Most teams change their way of playing, but Poland has a good idea of their game,” said Scaloni.
“They can play with four or five at the back, regardless of the opponent.
“I do think that playing Argentina makes teams play a different way, I believe they will adapt to our game.”
Scaloni, meanwhile, was keeping his own cards close to his chest in terms of personnel, refusing to be drawn on Paulo Dybala‘s chances of seeing any action or whether Enzo Fernandez might force his way into the starting XI.
“[Fernandez] has a chance of playing, like others. Enzo has come on and done well in the two games he’s played,” said Scaloni.
“He’s an option, but I still think that a player should be prepared for both things.
“That is even more important when coming on off the bench, but we’ve not decided that yet.”
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