Scaloni acknowledges Argentina faces a difficult transition replacing veteran players like Messi after a 1-0 loss to Ecuador. The defeat highlighted the team’s reliance on experienced players and the need to develop new talent for future success, especially with the next World Cup approaching.
Lionel Scaloni is bracing for a significant transition period for Argentina, acknowledging the challenges of replacing veteran players, including the iconic Lionel Messi. The recent 1-0 defeat to Ecuador served as a stark reminder of the team's potential struggles in a future without its established stars.
The match in Guayaquil saw Argentina fielding a relatively youthful squad, missing key figures such as Angel Di Maria, who has retired from international football, and Lionel Messi, who was rested. Adding to the team's woes, Nicolas Otamendi received a red card just 31 minutes into the game. Enner Valencia's penalty, converted deep into first-half stoppage time, ultimately decided the contest.
Despite having already secured qualification for the next year's World Cup, Argentina was unable to mount a comeback in the second half, even after Ecuador was reduced to 10 men following Moises Caicedo's dismissal in the 50th minute. The loss highlighted the team's reliance on its experienced players and the need to develop new talent capable of stepping into their shoes.
Lionel Messi's remarkable career includes eight Ballon d'Or awards, and he recently finished the South American qualifiers as the top scorer for the first time, netting eight goals for Argentina. His absence was keenly felt, underscoring his importance to the national team's success.
Di Maria, Otamendi, and Messi have been instrumental in Argentina's triumphs, including victories in the last two Copa America tournaments and the 2022 World Cup. However, with Otamendi and Messi unlikely to continue beyond the next World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Scaloni is acutely aware of the need to identify and develop replacements.
"It is evident that those who have or will leave the national team are of an incredible level. And it is up to us to be able to find those who can continue to keep us at high levels," Scaloni stated, emphasizing the magnitude of the task ahead.
"Obviously, it will be difficult to find players of that calibre, but our goal is to continue trusting in what brought us here, knowing that there is always an opponent who can win like today," he added, acknowledging the inherent challenges in replacing world-class talent while maintaining a competitive edge.
Ecuador's strong defensive performance, characterized by nine clean sheets in their last 10 World Cup qualifiers, stifled Argentina's attack and limited them to an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.34. Scaloni admitted that his team struggled to create clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, particularly after Otamendi's sending off.
"When the rival plays well, there are times when you have to suffer. We suffered in some moments, especially when we have been left with 10 men," Scaloni conceded. "The game was distorted by the sending off, and we could not create many goalscoring opportunities. But [I’m still] positive because the team tried, we showed our face in our own way of playing, and against a very good opponent."
Despite the defeat, Scaloni saw positives in his team's performance, particularly in the second half after Ecuador also went down to 10 men. He believes the team showed a different side and demonstrated a willingness to fight, even in difficult circumstances.
"I think the second half was ours. We could have done better, but it didn’t happen," Scaloni said. "Fortunately, we are used to winning lately. And there are times when it’s not your turn. Ecuador are a good team and put us in difficulty."
"In the second half, I think the team, after the dismissal of Caicedo, showed a different side, and that’s a positive. We have to continue. You don’t always win," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of learning from the loss and continuing to develop the team's depth and resilience.
The defeat to Ecuador serves as a valuable lesson for Argentina as they prepare for the future. Scaloni's focus will be on integrating young players into the squad, fostering a team spirit, and developing a tactical approach that can succeed even without the presence of Messi and other veteran stars. The road ahead may be challenging, but with careful planning and a commitment to developing new talent, Argentina can navigate the transition and remain a competitive force on the international stage.
Enner Valencia’s goal is the difference as Ecuador defeats Argentina in their last qualifying match #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/5dZBlvSdoc
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