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Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni responded to suggestions that his team have been subjected to criticism by former England players ahead of their FIFA World Cup semi-final clash.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a press conference, Scaloni, although admitting to not having seen any criticism from any former England players, said he won\u2019t criticise any player because of their nationality.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n \nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n \u201cFormer England players criticising Argentina National Team? I haven\u2019t seen what they said, but when I stop coaching, I won\u2019t criticise any player, whether they\u2019re Argentine, Japanese, Chinese or English. I\u2019d rather not comment. I imagine they\u2019re doing it to support their national team,\u201d he said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n While Scaloni\u2019s side are among the unbeaten teams in the tournament, the reigning champions have faced repeated backlash over allegations of refereeing bias and FIFA favouuritism.<\/p>\n Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand got tongues wagging after appearing to suggest that Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in the quarter-final match between Switzerland and the South American giants.<\/p>\n Argentina have lived life on the edge in the knockout stages so far. They needed 120 minutes to see off debutants Cabo Verde in the round of 32, controversially overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against Egypt in the round of 16, while their 3-1 win over Switzerland was also overshadowed by controversial decisions.<\/p>\n Pundits and fans have since weighed in on their playing style. Joe Cole expressed confidence in England to defeat Scaloni\u2019s side, saying that their speed level is too much for Argentina\u2019s strengths. Gary Neville labelled the centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as the best worst-centre back partnership in the world.<\/p>\n “The team isn’t playing as bad as people say,\u201d Scaloni said. \u201cWe must have done something right to reach this stage,” Scaloni said on Tuesday in response to suggestions his team hasn’t been at its best. “I’m grateful to the players. They’ve led us to three titles and now another semifinal. We’re just one step away, and we’re going to give it our all to get there.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n “Honestly, I don’t dwell on whether we’re in the exact way I wanted to play,” Scaloni added. \u201cBecause a month-and-a-half ago, I would have jumped at the chance to be in a World Cup semifinal, getting there however possible. It doesn’t matter to me. So, the state we’re in doesn’t matter. I have no complaints. Whether we’re tired or not, it makes no difference. We’re in a World Cup semifinal. Now, I’m incredibly excited, we all are happy. We look at the condition we’re in, and we’re ready to play the match.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The winner of the match between Argentina and England will face France in the final.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Argentina may not be playing as bad as people say \u2013 Scaloni<\/strong><\/h2>\n