‘People don’t want us to win’: Argentina coach hits back at criticism of FIFA favouritism

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni (AP photo) Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed suggestions that FIFA is favoring the defending champions at the ongoing World Cup, insisting such allegations are nothing new and instead serve as further motivation for his players. Ahead of Argentina’s quarter-final match against Switzerland on Sunday, Scaloni said the criticism surrounding his team has only strengthened the team’s resolve as they seek a second consecutive World Cup title. Debate over Argentina allegedly receiving favorable treatment from FIFA intensified during the tournament, particularly on social media. The debate accelerated after Argentina’s round of 16 win over Egypt, where an Egyptian goal was disallowed after a VAR review, while another Egyptian penalty appeal was waved away. These decisions drew criticism from Egypt’s coaching staff and a section of supporters who questioned the performance of the post. Some fans have also claimed that FIFA has a commercial interest in keeping Lionel Messi and Argentina in the competition. However, these claims remain opinions rather than verified facts. Scaloni rejected the allegations and suggested the scrutiny stemmed from Argentina’s status as reigning world champions. “The point is that we can have a lot more people who don’t want us to win because we won the last one and, well, we take that into account. And yes, it gets to the players. We use criticism or comments to rebel. To create a rebellion and make the players play even better,” Scaloni told reporters on Saturday. The Argentina boss also pointed out that similar allegations have dogged his country for decades, including the 1986 World Cup triumph. “It’s been a long time, 40 years, as you just said, since 1986, right? Back then they said we were favored. So it’s nothing new. As far as I can remember, Argentina has always been one of the teams that rocked the tournament, always. And in a way, as you rightly pointed out, it’s used to show that the players are normal, that there are people who are normal. There will be people who don’t want another national team to win team,” Scaloni said. The 47-year-old also defended the role of VAR, arguing that the technology leaves little room for manipulation. “I think with VAR and all these things it’s very difficult for them to help you. Very difficult, very difficult. There’s no double interpretation with VAR. Plus they made it crystal clear in that course they gave us before the World Cup started. They showed us all the footage. It’s going to be like this, it’s going to be like this, like this. And it was added to the letter,” he added. Argentina will continue their title defense when they face Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, July 12.