12/07/2026 15:39 - Deportes
The Argentine National Team secured its ticket to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after a thrilling 3-1 victory over Switzerland in extra time, on July 11, 2026. Goals from Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Alexis Mac Allister keep the dreams alive for a nation that vibrates with every pass.
The next challenge is significant: on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 16:00 (local time in Atlanta), Argentina will face England at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. For those unfamiliar with South American football, a match between Argentina and England carries heavy historical and political weight, stemming from the 1982 Falklands War (known in Argentina as the Malvinas War) and legendary on-pitch rivalries like the 1986 Hand of God goal. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni (a native of Pujato, Santa Fe, who famously led the team to glory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup) wants to strip away any extra-football drama.
It is just a football match, period. Nothing more. Let us not look for anything else.
With these words, the manager made a clear request to set aside historical tensions and focus purely on the sport.
The road to success is rarely easy, and Scaloni knows this well. Reflecting on the tough match against the Swiss, he noted: 'We struggled to win duels and connect passes, but we always have one more gear and push forward. To reach a World Cup semifinal you have to suffer; it happened to us in Qatar too.' He also acknowledged the physical toll on several players who have been carrying minor injuries since the start of training camp. Nevertheless, his confidence in the squad was absolute: 'This is thanks to the players. I trusted them. Before the game, I thought about making several changes, but they showed me they were ready.'
Despite the joy of advancing, the coach kept his feet on the ground regarding what lies ahead. 'Taking away today's match, I am satisfied with the team's performance. It is evident that we need to improve,' Scaloni admitted, pointing to the need to fine-tune details for the decisive clash against the English, who come off a 2-1 victory over Norway with a brace from star midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The impact of the National Team transcends borders and is felt in every corner of the country. Scaloni closed his press conference with a forceful message for the millions of fans who flooded the streets in the early hours to celebrate: 'If you drink, do not drive. Let people enjoy. Being in a semifinal is no small feat.'
Original source: El Gráfico
Alfredo S. Quiroga
