Argentina ended a hugely successful 2024 with another win that assistant coach Walter Samuel believes proves their hunger is still intact.
The world champions have enjoyed another stellar 12 months, retaining their Copa America crown and guaranteeing their place at the top of the FIFA world rankings heading into the new year.
They beat Peru 1-0 last night to remain first in the CONMEBOL qualifying section and, although it was not a vintage performance, Samuel was pleased with the way they bounced back from defeat to Paraguay.
Lautaro Martinez…WOW! 😱
What a volley that is from Lionel Messi’s assist 👏
“Golazo for Argentina!” 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/EiomH5sMvS
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) November 20, 2024
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The players are hungry
The former Real Madrid centre-half, who took on media duties as coach Lionel Scaloni was not feeling well, said: “The players are hungry, that is clear. They are hungry to keep winning, keep competing.
“We had a false step against Paraguay, but the team always shows itself. So in that sense, we are calm.
“You lose a game and it hurts a lot, and that’s good because it keeps us alert. It hurt us to lose against Paraguay because we are not used to losing. We say it without arrogance.”
Marvellous Martinez moves level with Maradona
Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal at the Bombonera, spectacularly volleying home Lionel Messi’s cross to move level with Diego Maradona on 32 goals for his country.
Of the Inter striker, Samuel said: “He knows how much we love him. Not only for what he does in terms of goals, but also for what he brings to the team. If you look at the game, he was one of the ones that recovered the most balls. It’s incredible what he gives us as a player. We are happy for him, more than anything.”
Argentina could secure their place at the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico as soon as March if they beat both Uruguay and Brazil.
