Scaloni never doubted Argentina after stunning comeback

According to Soccernews.

Context

Christian Romero, Lionel Messi and other key players have demonstrated determination and skill that could have a significant impact on their performances in future matches. Messi, with his eighth Ballon d'Or, continues to be a central figure in the attack, underlining his importance for the team at Mundial 2026.

Why is this important

The match was a landmark for Argentina as the team avoided the ignominy of becoming the first defending champion to be eliminated at this stage of the tournament since 1986. Lionel Scaloni's confidence in his players highlights the importance of team spirit and the ability to overcome difficulties, which could have a significant impact on their future path to Mundial 2026.

Key takeaways

• Scaloni never doubted Argentina after the stunning comeback.
• Argentina staged a stunning comeback against Egypt at the World Cup, with Lionel Scaloni expressing unshakable confidence in his team's victory despite the scoreline of 0-2.
• Scaloni never doubted Argentina in stunning World Cup turnaround.

Lionel Scaloni said he always believed Argentina could make a comeback against Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, despite his side trailing 0-2. Argentina could become the first team to fail at this stage of the tournament after winning the previous championship since Italy in 1986. Egypt opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim headed in Emiliano Martinez's goal. And then, after Mostafa Zico had a goal disallowed by VAR, he doubled his side's lead in the 67th minute by firing the ball into the net.

However, Argentina was able to take the initiative, scoring two goals in four minutes. Christian Romero tapped in Lionel Messi's cross in the 79th minute and then Messi, with his eighth Ballon d'Or of his career, scored a stunning goal that ricocheted off the crossbar. But that wasn't all; After Julian Alvarez passed to Lautaro Martinez, he crossed for Enzo Fernandez, who completed an incredible comeback with a header.

At the time of Romero's goal, Argentina had just a 0.6% chance of winning, according to Opta data. Argentina trailed from the 78th minute onwards, marking the latest time in World Cup history that a team has trailed by two or more goals and still managed to win before going to extra time.Scaloni, however, stressed that he was always confident that his team would be able to win and continue to defend the title, with Switzerland being their next opponent. "I always felt that the game was on our side. Regardless of the result, I don't think the team played badly. We had chances," Scaloni told reporters. "Against Cape Verde it was worse, we were really in a difficult position. Today, even when it was 0-2, the feeling was that at some point we will get a chance and can turn things around."

Scaloni also praised captain Messi, who failed to convert a penalty in the 21st minute, his shot saved by Mostafa Shobeir. Excluding match penalties, Messi became the only player to miss two or more penalties at a single World Cup, having also failed to score against Austria in the group stage. However, he atoned for his miss by scoring a goal and providing an assist, becoming the first player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive playoff matches.

Messi also scored his 21st World Cup goal, a record, and his eight goals in the current tournament are the most by a player in the first five matches of the tournament since Gerd Müller scored 10 in 1970. "I'm convinced he plays football for moments like these...For him to feel these emotions at this stage of his career is difficult to explain," Scaloni said of Messi's performance. "It was an unforgettable moment. Whatever happens next, this team gives me the feeling that they never stop believing, even when everything goes against them."

Fernandez's goal was the 3000th in the history of the World Cup. Scored at 91:55, it also became the latest winning goal scored by an Argentine player in normal time in a World Cup match. After the final whistle, many of Argentina's players, along with Scaloni, could not hold back their tears after another stunning performance. "I always get emotional. Sometimes tears come out," Scaloni said. "There were tears in the locker room. The boys even call me 'crying', but I don't care. For all of us who have played football for 20 years, to feel again what we felt today is incredible. I think most coaches who have played football become coaches because of days like these, because of these emotions and adrenaline."

What happens next

After this impressive comeback, Argentina prepare for their next match against Switzerland, where they hope to continue their title defense. Success in this match will be critical to their season and chances of success at the 2026 Mundial, where the team aims to confirm their status as one of the strongest in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in the match between Argentina and Egypt?

Argentina beat Egypt, making a comeback from 0-2 to 3-2.

How did this match affect the World Cup standings?

Argentina's victory allowed them to continue their title defense and advance to the next round.

Who scored goals for Argentina in the match against Egypt?

The goals for Argentina were scored by Christian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez.

When and with whom does Argentina have their next match at the World Cup?

Argentina's next match will be against Switzerland.

What was the probability of Argentina winning at the time of Romero's goal?

At the time of Romero's goal, the probability of Argentina winning was only 0.6%.

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