Scaloni Defends Argentina Before 4th Straight World Cup Semifinal, Downplaying 1982 Tensions

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 15

Lionel Scaloni rejected claims Argentina have underperformed, saying the defending champions are “one step away” from another final ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal against England.
Four straight World Cup semifinals underline his case: Argentina topped Group J, then beat Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time and rallied from 2-0 down against Egypt.
Scaloni also sought to strip politics from the match, saying the 1982 Falklands War was a tragic chapter but should not be mixed with a football game.
Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career, with the winner advancing to play Spain in the July 19 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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