Lionel Scaloni insists Argentina did not gain added motivation from Raphinha’s pre-match comments after his side swatted Brazil aside last night.
Barcelona playmaker Raphinha was vocal in the build up to the World Cup qualifier, claiming Brazil will “beat them, no doubt. On and off the pitch if we have to”.
His comments proved short-sighted as Brazil were 2-0 down inside 12 minutes with Argentina eventually cruising to a hugely impressive 4-1 win in Buenos Aires.
Scaloni, whose team have secured their place at next summer World Cup finals as they look to defend the crown they won in Qatar in 2022, was quick to play down any suggestions Raphinha’s outburst had been a factor in their dominant performance.
He said: “In the [pre-match] press conference, I mentioned that I had not engaged with the comments and haven’t revisited them since. I understand the stakes of an Argentina-Brazil match, but we don’t need any remarks to elevate the intensity. Our performance was not influenced by those comments at all; in fact, it was quite the opposite.
“I pardon Raphinha because I know it wasn’t intentional. He is defending his country, and that’s what’s important. Whether or not there are remarks, we would have approached the match in the same way, and I am certain he did not intend to offend anyone.”
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Brazil swept aside
Brazil were on the back foot from the outset and Julian Alvarez’s early goal was added to when Enzo Fernandez tapped home Nahuel Molina’s cross.
A mistake from Cristian Romero enabled Matheus Cunha to pull one back but the home side swiftly restored their two-goal advantage as Alexis Mac Allister slotted past Bento.
And a perfect night for Argentina was capped when Giuliano Simeone added a fourth with 19 minutes to go.
“We operated as a cohesive unit and managed to neutralize Brazil,” added Scaloni. “The players executed their roles exceptionally well.
”This team never gives up; they fight for every ball. We have proven that we are capable, regardless of the match’s circumstances. Let’s hope we maintain this performance level. If challenges arise, we will respond accordingly.”
Enjoy it while it lasts – Scaloni
Argentina are going through a golden period with back-to-back Copa America successes either side of their World Cup triumph.
Scaloni added: “We must enjoy this time because we can’t predict how long it will last. At some point, it will come to an end. Therefore, let’s make the most of it while we can. It brings me joy to see how the fans appreciate these young players, and I share in that excitement for their style of play.”
