Answering questions at his press conference before the last 16 tie with Australia, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni highlighted the role of his team’s fans in their progress so far, saying:
“We’re very grateful to the people, the atmosphere is very good. There are so many of our fans here that it’s like playing in Argentina. For years, our National Team shirt transmitted fear throughout the world, when Diego [Maradona] was here, now it’s Lionel [Messi] that is here. It happens in Bangladesh and in so many other countries.”
Argentina won their final two group games after a shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia to top Group C while Australia impressively beat both Denmark and Tunisia to finish second to France in Group D.
GWFN
