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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has rejected allegations that his team has benefited from favourable decisions during the ongoing World Cup, dismissing claims of “fixed matches” and saying the criticism is being used as motivation.
Speaking ahead of the quarter-final against Switzerland, Scaloni said many people do not want Argentina to win the World Cup for a second consecutive time after lifting the previous title.
“We know that. Yes, the players hear these things too,” he said, adding that the team channels such criticism into improving performances on the pitch.
Argentina have faced scrutiny throughout the tournament, from claims of lenient refereeing to what critics describe as a comparatively easier knockout draw. If they defeat Switzerland, the defending champions could reach the semi-finals without facing a top-10 ranked side.
The controversy intensified after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16, where the Egyptian camp alleged the tournament was being manipulated in Argentina’s favour.
A VAR decision to disallow a goal—based on an incident that occurred more than 10 seconds earlier—further fuelled debate.
Scaloni, however, dismissed the accusations, saying such claims are nothing new.
Referring to Argentina’s 1986 World Cup triumph, he noted that similar allegations had surfaced then as well. “Argentina has always been a team surrounded by controversy in World Cups,” he said.
Defending the use of VAR, Scaloni argued that the system makes it extremely difficult to favour any team deliberately.
“There is no room for dual interpretation. Referees are simply following the guidelines set before the tournament,” he added.
He concluded by saying that external criticism only strengthens the team’s mindset, helping players perform at a higher level under pressure.
