Argentina Defender: We Must Prove Ourselves, Fight ‘Champions’ Arrogance’
Argentina’s national football team is under pressure to demonstrate their worth as reigning champions, according to defender Nicolas Tagliafico. The Lyon player emphasized the need for the team to prove themselves consistently on the pitch as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Defender Reflects on Current Form
Tagliafico, part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, commented on the team’s current performance level, stating, “From 1 to 10, I think we’re at a 5. Not too little, not too much.” He acknowledged that heightened expectations from fans are a consequence of their past success, suggesting that the team’s recent form has contributed to this frustration. “Today people are a bit angrier at us, and honestly we also caused that with our arrogance,” he noted.
Need to Overcome Arrogance
The 33-year-old defender stressed that maintaining a bit of confidence is essential for respect in the competitive world of football. He said, “That bit of cheekiness is good, and it makes others end up respecting us.” Tagliafico believes that ongoing challenges will help the team to remain motivated and focused.
Upcoming Match Against Spain
Looking ahead, the defender is eager for the upcoming match against Spain, recognizing them as one of the top teams globally. However, he pointed out that this encounter does not equate to World Cup stakes. “It’s just a single match,” he commented, adding that competing against Spain will provide valuable insights into their current performance level.
Path to World Cup Glory
Argentina celebrated their third World Cup trophy in Qatar after overcoming France in a thrilling final that ended in a 3-3 draw, eventually decided by a penalty shoot-out. During this unforgettable match, Lionel Messi scored twice, while Ángel Di María contributed another goal. Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick for France added to the contest’s excitement.
Argentina’s journey to the trophy was not without challenges. They began with an unexpected 1-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia but quickly regrouped, winning vital matches against Mexico (2-0) and Poland (2-0). The knockout rounds saw Argentina beat Australia 2-1, followed by a dramatic quarterfinal against the Netherlands that ended 4-3. They secured a place in the final by defeating Croatia 3-0.
Concluding Remarks
With the World Cup 2026 approaching, Tagliafico and his teammates are well aware that they have to leave their mark on every match. The defender echoed the sentiment that proving their champions’ status on the field is paramount as they tackle the pressures of being the defending champions.
