Argentina coach: 'We overcome painful moments'

"I can't believe we suffered so much, in a perfect match," coach Scaloni said after the 2022 World Cup final on December 18. "But it's great that this team overcame all those difficulties. I'm proud of the students."

Argentina dominated France and took a 2-0 lead at half-time, thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. By the 70th minute, Scaloni's students still made the opponent unable to finish a single time. But things turned around very quickly. Kylian Mbappe shone with two consecutive goals in two minutes 80 and 81. Then, France took advantage of strength and fitness to put pressure on Argentina.

In a difficult situation, Lionel Messi shined with the goal to make it 3-2 in extra time. But in the 118th minute, Mbappe completed his hat-trick to equalize 3-3. It was not until the penalty shootout that Argentina defeated France 4-2, thanks to the excellence of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

"This team is interesting," added coach Scaloni. "The difficulties and bitterness we faced today only made the victory more emotional. France responded strongly and we must recognize their class. But we are the winners. Emotions On top of the world is unique. For the people of Argentina, this is the time to enjoy the glory."

Coach Scaloni has led Argentina since 2018, achieving a win rate of 65%. During his playing career, he also played for the national team seven times. Before leading Argentina to win the World Cup for the third time, he and his students won the Copa America 2021 and the Intercontinental Super Cup 2022. In the post-match press conference, the 44-year-old strategist also thanked him. his parents, who taught him how to understand people, never give up, don't attack others and always look forward.

At the 2022 World Cup, Argentina lost their first match against Saudi Arabia, but then defeated Mexico and Poland with the same score of 2-0 to top Group C. In the knockout rounds, Scaloni's teachers and students surpassed each other. through Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia and France. The biggest mark in Argentina's championship journey is superstar Lionel Messi with seven goals and three assists. Besides the World Cup Golden Ball for Messi, Argentina also won the title of Best Young Player for Enzo Fernandez, and Emiliano Martinez was the best goalkeeper.