Scaloni one step away from Bilardo for most WC games at the helm for Argentina
Atlanta, July 14
With Argentina's qualification for the FIFA World Cup semifinals after the victory over Switzerland, Lionel Scaloni broke records once again to solidify his place among the most important managers in the history of the national team.
The match against Switzerland marked Scaloni's thirteenth World Cup game at the helm of the national team, a record that surpassed Cesar Luis Menotti, the 1978 World Cup champion, who had managed 12 World Cup matches.
Now, Scaloni aiming to surpass Carlos Salvador Bilardo, the only coach ahead of him with 14 games.
With qualification for the semifinals, Argentina is guaranteed two more matches, the semifinal and the final or the third-place match, meaning Scaloni will become the coach with the most matches managed for the Argentine national team in World Cup history.
Moreover, Scaloni's tenure boasts another statistic that speaks to his stature: he remains undefeated against European teams, with a record of seven wins and three draws.
With two Copa America titles, a Finalissima appearance, a World Cup, and another World Cup semifinal under his belt, Scaloni continues to expand a legacy that already occupies a privileged place in the history of the Argentine national team and that still has new chapters to be written at the 2026 World Cup.
France and Spain will face off this Tuesday in one of the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and will be officiated by Salvadoran referee Iván Barton. The winner will secure the first spot in the tournament final.
For the third time in the last four World Cups, Argentina will compete in the semifinals, an unprecedented feat for the national team in the modern era, achieved only consecutively by France over the same period.
They will take on England for the first time in more than 20 years when they meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on Thursday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great for Argentina, but let's not forget that Messi's brilliance makes any manager look good. Scaloni is lucky to have him. Still, consistency in World Cup semis is no joke – 3 out of last 4 is insane!
Scaloni has done what many great managers couldn't – adapt, evolve, and win. From Copa America to World Cup, he's scripted something special. And that stat about not losing to European teams? That's like beating the odds in a cricket match against the Aussies! 🏆
So Argentina will face England in the semis after 20 years? That's going to be a blockbuster match! Like India-Pakistan in cricket – the whole world will stop to watch. Scaloni vs Southgate – tactical genius vs tactical mediocrity? 😂
One thing I appreciate about Scaloni is how he gave young players a chance. Argentina's bench depth today is incredible – it's not just about the starting XI. That's something Indian football can learn from – build a squad, not just a team.
While Scaloni's record is impressive, let's be honest – Argentina has been a bit lucky with draws. Switzerland, Netherlands in quarters... not exactly top-tier opposition. But you can only beat what's in front of you. Semifinal against England will be the real test. 🔥
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