-
Lionel Scaloni speaks after winning World Cup with Argentina.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed his pride in his team’s tenacity in defeating France in the World Cup final.
La Albiceleste held a 2-0 lead over the 2018 champions but were forced to extra time thanks to a Kylian Mbappe brace. And just as Lionel Messi made it 3-2 after 108 minutes, Mbappe responded again at the death to take the game to penalties.
In the end, though, Argentina triumphed, defeating their opponents in a 4-2 shootout victory to win their third World Cup and first in 36 long years.
Speaking to reporters after the historic win, a tearful Scaloni was candid: “I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything.
RELATED:
- Just In: Argentina Wins 2022 FIFA World Cup
- FIFA confirm the new 32-team Club World Cup to begin in coming years.
- France virus crisis continues as five players fall ill before World Cup final
“I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group,” he added: “With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.”
44-year-old Scaloni took charge of Argentina in 2018, having been promoted from his position as manager of the country’s under-20 side.
Scaloni, who won seven caps during his playing days, wasn’t exactly a household name as a coach before accepting the position. But when he guided his nation to the 2021 Copa America and started a 36-game unbeaten streak leading up to the 2022 World Cup, everything changed.