The coach of Argentina, Lionel Scaloniacknowledged that it was a difficult victory on Thursday against Ecuadorwhom they defeated 4-2 on penalties, and praised the actions of their goalkeeper, key to advancing to the semi-finals of the Copa America 2024.
“I didn’t enjoy it at all this time. I don’t think you enjoy winning like that at all. Yes, we’re happy, but the truth is that I didn’t enjoy it. This time it wasn’t a joy, I mean, I had a good time.”he said at a press conference at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
In the ninety minutes Argentina and Ecuador They tied 1-1, so the definition of this quarter-final duel was decided from the twelve steps.
Ecuador “was a difficult, tough team, that also plays well and is physically fit and you can see that they are players with an important physical level”Scaloni said.
“In the penalties I think the team felt blind faith in their goalkeeper and for us it is fundamental, even if Leo failed. (Messi, the first penalty) I think the team knew something positive was going to happen. That’s very important.”added the DT.
Scaloni gave his opinion on Messi’s poor performance and his condition
Messi He was a starter this Thursday, despite initially being in doubt after a discomfort in the adductors that left him out of the last duel Argentina In the group stage, victory against Peru 2-0.
He participated in the goal of Argentinataking the corner kick which he then pivots Mac Allister and that ends up connecting Lisandro Martinez at the second post. But he was not as explosive as in other duels.
Scalonihowever, considered that “Messi always contributed to the team. He plays well and the others play well.”
“We asked him how he was doing and every time I asked him, he was fine. He is not a player who has to run after the Ecuadorian players who are fast, who are quick. There are moments and moments.”he added.
“I think Messi finished well, the last time we asked him how he was, there were 4 or 5 minutes left and he was fine, I don’t think he’ll have any problems and we’re in a semi-final and that’s a very good value”he commented.
He also responded to criticism that Argentina had collided with easy rivals in the America Cup.
“They said our team was the easy one, but I wouldn’t be so sure. The matches have to be played and Ecuador has shown that it is at a very good level.”he stressed.
Source: Ambito
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