World Cup: Argentina coach Scaloni excited to take on his idol van Gaal in quarter-finals

DOHA – Lionel Scaloni said he was looking forward to taking on Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal in the World Cup quarter-finals after his Argentina side beat Australia 2-1 on Saturday.

Goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez gave Argentina a winning cushion in the last-16 clash at the Ahmad bin Ali stadium in Qatar before an Enzo Fernandez own goal set up a frantic finish.

The South Americans will face the Dutch in the last eight on Friday, after the Netherlands beat the United States 3-1 earlier in the day.

It will give Scaloni the chance to come up against a coach he already idolised when he was still a player. In fact, the 44-year-old Argentinian was actually part of the Deportivo side who pipped van Gaal’s Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2000.

“I was at Deportivo La Coruna when he was Barcelona coach, and he was already a leading figure. I’m proud to take him on, everyone knows what he’s done for football,” said Scaloni.

He added that this Dutch side is not as talented as previous generations, but will nonetheless provide Argentina with a stern test.

“It’s not as brilliant as previous Dutch teams, but they are very clear on what they do. It will be a great match between two historic teams. One will be knocked out, we hope we go through,” he said.

The Argentina coach paid tribute to a plucky Socceroos side who pushed their more illustrious opponents all the way, even forcing goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a late save to prevent the tie heading into extra-time.

“We’re satisfied, above all because today’s match was very difficult, their pressing was asphyxiating,” said Scaloni, who felt Argentina should have put the game to bed and saved themselves the nervy finale.

“The team didn’t deserve those closing minutes because we had chances to increase the lead,” he added.

Scaloni also paid tribute to the Argentinian fans who once again took over the majority of the stadium in Qatar and created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the game.

“It is a true injection of morale, I would like the whole world to experience what a player feels when he goes to these people,” he said.

While Argentinian fans took over the stadium, it was Lionel Messi who took over on the pitch.

He produced a moment of trademark quality to score the opener, which was his 789th goal in his 1,000th career appearance, but first in the knockout rounds of a World Cup.

Alexis Mac Allister fed defender Nicolas Otamendi, who was still in the box for an Argentina free kick, and he miscontrolled it into the path of Messi who bent the ball into the corner. It was Argentina’s first shot on target.

The 35-year-old’s classy 35th-minute goal broke the resistance and ultimately the hearts of a gutsy Australian side who defied all expectations in Qatar and went down fighting.

“I am very happy for taking another step forward, achieving another objective,” Messi said.

“It was a very strong and difficult match – we knew it was going to be this way. Things got complicated in the end with their goal, but it’s a World Cup and it’s never easy.

“Now we have a really tough clash with Holland, who play very well. They have great players and a great coach, it’s going to be hard-fought. If a World Cup has been tough from the start, it gets even tougher at this stage.”

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina said the win was all about Messi. He said: “It’s a privilege to play with Messi, with him we know that we just need to be patient because he is our ace in our sleeves.”

Australia coach Graham Arnold described Messi’s performance as “incredible”.

Scaloni agreed, saying: “With Leo playing this beautifully... these are very exciting moments.”

Messi’s friend and former Argentina teammate Pablo Zabaleta, meanwhile, highlighted the Paris Saint-Germain attacker’s maturity and influence off the pitch.

He said on the BBC: “He is so mature these days. His speech before the (2021) Copa America final against Brazil saying, ‘Lads we have been together for 45 days, let’s do it for our country’. 

“Some people forget he retired from international duty after three consecutive finals we lost. He was desperate to win something for the country. That Copa America brought the country together. You saw the reaction of the players. I see a lot of people saying at this World Cup we want our country to win, but if our country can’t, we want to see Messi win.”

While many want Messi to win, overachieving Australia’s World Cup campaign needs to be a long-term win for the Socceroos, said Arnold.

He made an impassioned plea to the Australian government for money and “a home” after his side reached the knockout rounds in Qatar for only the second time in their history.

Arnold’s side gave one of the pre-tournament favourites several real frights in the closing moments and the 59-year-old hopes this Australian team will inspire a future generation.

But he also said the government needs to do more if the Socceroos are to perform well again at future World Cups, starting with investment.

“There’s an expectation that it should just happen every time,” Arnold said, adding: “We’ve got to look at Australian football.”

“We need to spend money and get help from the government to put money into the game and help develop kids.”

He also wants somewhere that can be a centre for Australian football.

“The government need to build us a house. We need a home, something that the government can help fund for the development of the national team and the good of Australian football,” he said.

Arnold, who could now step away from his post, was immensely proud of his players. They beat Denmark and Tunisia en route to a surprise spot in the knockout phase.

But he was frustrated too after their defensive solidity deserted them against Argentina, especially for the second goal.

“I felt like we failed tonight because I wanted to win so bad,” he said.

“The last 16 wasn’t enough, I wanted more. I know a lot of people will be happy with it, but that’s just the way I am.”

AFP, REUTERS