Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his team never gives up after securing a place in the last 16 following a dramatic 120-minute battle against Cape Verde on Friday (3 july).
Scaloni appeared emotional after the final whistle, reflecting on the pressure, tension and emotions of the match. Speaking after the victory, he said, "This team never gives up."
He added, "Losing my 100th match would have felt strange. But that's football."
Scaloni described it as a very difficult match and praised Cape Verde for their performance.
"It was a very difficult match. But you always have to look at the positive side. This team never gives up. I also congratulate our opponents. When people say that no World Cup match is easy, they proved it today. They are truly a great team," he said.
Looking beyond the emotions, Scaloni highlighted his players' physical effort, collective contribution and determination to keep going in difficult moments.
"Everyone gave their best. Physically, we worked very hard and showed the courage to move forward even in difficult situations," he said.
The Argentina coach also pointed to the team's fighting spirit.
"This is Argentina. It is difficult for those who do not understand this team to understand it. We Argentinians know that this journey is never easy," he said.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / Argentina Football Team / Lionel Scaloni
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