‘People don’t want us to win’: Argentina coach hits back at FIFA favoritism accusations Football News

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni (AP Photo)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed suggestions that FIFA is backing the defending champions. fifa world cupinsisting such accusations are nothing new but provide extra motivation for his players. Ahead of Argentina’s quarter-final against Switzerland on Sunday, Scaloni said the criticism surrounding his side would only strengthen their determination to chase a second consecutive World Cup title. The debate over Argentina’s alleged preferential treatment by FIFA has intensified during the World Cup, especially on social media. Discussions gathered pace following Argentina’s last-16 win over Egypt, which had a goal ruled out following a VAR review and another penalty appeal rejected. The decisions drew criticism from Egypt’s coaching staff and some supporters, who questioned the referees. Some fans also believe FIFA has commercial interests in retaining these players. Lionel Messi In the game with Argentina. However, these claims remain opinions rather than proven facts. Scaloni dismissed the accusations and said the scrutiny stemmed from Argentina’s status as reigning world champions. “The problem is that we probably have more people who don’t want us to win because we won the last game and we take that into account. Yes, it affects the players. We fight back with criticism or comments. To start a fight and make the players play better,” Scaloni told reporters on Saturday. The Argentina coach also pointed out that similar accusations have followed his country for decades, including during the 1986 World Cup victory. “Like you just said, it’s been a long time since 1986, 40 years, right? They also said we were favored then as well. So it’s nothing new. Argentina, as far as I know, has been one of the teams that rocked the World Cup. In a way, as you rightly pointed out, it was used to show the players that there are people who don’t want Argentina to win. But that’s normal, just like there are people who don’t want another national team to win,” Scaloni said. The 47-year-old also defended the role of VAR, arguing 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 is no double interpretation of VAR. Also, they made it very clear to us in the course they gave us before the World Cup started. They showed us all the footage. That’s how it is, it’s going to be like this and that. And we’ve always followed that strictly,” he added. Argentina will continue their title defense against Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, July 12.