The qualification was marked by drama of the highest order. Trailing against a very solid England side at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the team found the strength to turn things around.
At the press conference after the final whistle, the coach’s tactical composure gave way to an outpouring of emotion and gratitude toward his squad.
"I tell the people to enjoy this. It’s wonderful. Let them savor this qualification for the semifinals, and I think it’s just as wonderful to enjoy being in the final. Let them thank the players, because it’s hard to describe this group with words. Honestly, my voice is trembling because this shows so much (...) it was moving", said Scaloni to reporters.
The Argentine coach emphasized that the players’ commitment on the pitch goes far beyond tactics or physical preparation, reflecting a unity and character rarely seen in modern football.
"We created ten or seven chances after conceding the goal, what can you do? You’re happy anyway, because the team showed it fought until the end and for me, that’s fundamental", the Argentine analyzed.
"We would have gone home sad, but knowing we gave everything on the pitch and played the match we needed to. But yes, I agree that after their goal, it was a demonstration of everything we want for football," he continued.
"I say this sincerely, it’s not victory that motivates me. I’d love to be world champion - who wouldn’t? But no, that’s not what drives me. I’ve been through a lot this past year to still worry about winning or not, or whether I’m a winner, if we’re only winners when we win."
"I think the most important thing is how we approach situations, and the way we reacted in that last part of the match seems to me an incredible demonstration. Whatever happens in the next (match), for me, this is already enough.", he concluded.
Argentina will try to win a fourth world title next Sunday (19th), at 4pm (Brasilia time), against Spain, at Metlife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. It will be a first-ever World Cup final and the first between a European champion and a Copa América champion.