Scaloni: "We just have to accept the decision because sometimes saying one more word could get you punished."

In the 8th round of the South American World Cup Qualifiers, Colombia defeated Argentina 2-1. After the match, Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni attended the press conference.



On the match:
Scaloni: "We played a normal game, and I don't have much more to say. We must keep moving forward. The team's performance was positive, even though we lost. We showed courage. We even had the chance to win the game, not just equalize, but that penalty call changed everything."

Scaloni continued: "Regardless of the result, the team fought hard. We were trailing at the end of the first half. We equalized, and just as we were getting into our rhythm, the penalty was given. But the team kept fighting throughout the match. We had clear chances. We don't win every time, but the feeling is positive. I also want to praise our opponents. We are always working hard. Today, we weren’t efficient, but our approach won’t change. We’ll correct what needs to be corrected."

On the second-half penalty: 
Scaloni: "It hurt us a lot. The only thing I want to say, and what I told Muñoz, is that he was the only one who didn’t protest. It was good for them, but it was sad and unfortunate for us. After the penalty, the match barely continued."

On the high temperatures in Barranquilla:  
Scaloni: "The scheduling of the match wasn’t reasonable. It could have been played at 5, 6, or 7 PM. I don’t think it was healthy for the players; they couldn’t perform to their full potential. The heat affected both teams equally, but clearly, these conditions weren’t suitable for a good match, especially for two top-ranked teams. But that’s not an excuse."

On the controversial moment in the first half:  
Scaloni: "Álvarez was stepped on, but the referee called a foul against him. Sometimes the referee calls a foul this way, sometimes that way. We just have to accept it because saying one more word could get you punished."

On his frustration with the match：  
Scaloni: "What am I frustrated with? If I have to point to something, it would be the penalty. It’s not just about the penalty. Muñoz’s reaction said it all—he never protested. It was good for his team. I told him that, and he laughed. But obviously, the penalty gave them a psychological boost and was a blow to us. Still, we had chances to equalize."

On the opponent, Colombia: 
Scaloni: "They won the match, and we congratulate them. Sometimes matches are decided by certain moments, and that’s what happened. We did the hardest part, but the penalty decided the game when we were at our best. They have excellent players, not just from set pieces but overall. Their team works well and did a great job, so we have to congratulate them."

On the reception Argentina received: 
Scaloni: "The crowd in Barranquilla was cheering for their team. We received a warm welcome at the hotel, but it seemed like the friendship faded a little when we got to the stadium. Still, they were happy to have us because we won the World Cup, and that’s something we’re grateful for."

On VAR:
Scaloni: "I hope there can be improvements in this area. The first image the referee sees shouldn’t be the one that looks like a foul. He should be shown all the footage. This affects the referee’s judgment. That’s my opinion, and I can’t change it, but I think it’s an area that needs improvement. The referee should see the whole sequence, but this isn’t an excuse."