Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Argentine national team, appeared in press statements after qualifying for the 2024 Copa America semi-finals after defeating Ecuador on penalties 4-2 after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The coach said: “We faced a very difficult opponent, very strong on a physical level. We could have scored more goals in the first half. The second half was difficult.”

He added: “The competitor always creates difficulties. We never separate individual performance from group performance. The important thing is always that the team works well.”

He continued: “This time I did not enjoy it at all. We are happy of course, but this time I did not enjoy the match, the team was there. Sometimes he outplayed us, but the team always reacts, regardless of playing well or badly.”

He added: “I am happy for Lisandro Martinez, he played good game. He was tired and I decided to take care of him.”

He noted: “In the penalty shootout, the team felt blind confidence in the team’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez. It is essential when he saves the penalty kicks. This resonates on the field.”

He concluded: “I have to see the match well, there are always things to improve. I will analyze it better.”