Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has aimed a subtle dig at England following their World Cup semi-final defeat, expressing relief that the final will be contested between two nations that 'truly play good football'.
England's World Cup Dream Ends
England's bid to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years fell short as Thomas Tuchel's side were beaten 2-1 by defending champions Argentina. The Three Lions took the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon, who swept home Morgan Rogers' superb cross at the back post. However, England quickly retreated into a defensive shell, paying the price for a series of negative substitutions. Late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez completed a dramatic turnaround for Argentina.
Mac Allister's Comments
Speaking to Telefe after the match, Mac Allister acknowledged the tough challenge ahead against Spain in the final. 'There are no words to describe it, but well, now we're in a final, and obviously we want to win it,' he said. 'We have to start thinking about that, because we're playing against a team that's one of the best in the world, right up there with us, that plays very good football, that tries hard.'
Mac Allister also expressed hope that Sunday's final would be a more entertaining spectacle than the semi-final, which went over 30 minutes before the first shot on target. 'From our side, it's exactly the same, so hopefully it will be a great final, not only for us but for everyone in general, that they enjoy it,' he said. 'Because I think that at a time when football is becoming much more physical, it's important that two teams that truly play good football reach this point.'
England's Defensive Tactics
When asked about England's defensive approach in the closing stages, Mac Allister was diplomatic, insisting: 'I don't think it was their fault. I think we played a really good second half from the beginning to the end, even when they scored the first goal, I felt like we were in a really good position and having control, but after we brought our Argentinian fire and maybe they went to a more defensive lineup. But that's football and normally the way you defend when you are getting crosses from everywhere.'
Scaloni's Take
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said his side sensed England's doubts in the closing stages. 'We were under a bit of pressure, but the opponent doubted themselves,' Scaloni said in his post-match press conference. 'We all felt it, we smelt blood and went for it. There was a vacuum inside [England's] goal. The ball went in after hitting the post twice. After England scored we showed a lot about our football. It's more than tactics and playing pretty football.'
Argentina now progress to Sunday's final against Spain, aiming to become just the third nation to win successive World Cups. Mac Allister and his teammates will look to deliver a performance that lives up to his vision of 'good football'.
