Scaloni: We Suffered Today, Switzerland Caused Us Many Problems

Argentina is just one match away from reaching a second consecutive World Cup final, having secured a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City. The game was evenly contested for long stretches, despite Breel Embolo's red card for the Swiss in the 71st minute. However, Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his team "suffered a lot" during the encounter and also acknowledged the impact of the red card.

"The truth is, we suffered today. We knew the Swiss were a very physically strong team. I think they caused us a lot of problems," the Argentine coach stated.

"We couldn't get out of certain situations. The truth is, luck was on our side today because one of their players was sent off, and from then on, the team pushed forward. We need to be realistic; we have things to improve on, but a win is always better than any other result in the beautiful game," Scaloni added. "Nevertheless, this team's achievement today is truly historic. Indeed, we could have played better, but being in the semi-finals again is historic."

Their next opponent is arguably the most historically charged with expectations and intensity: England. The two nations share a history of military conflict over the Falkland Islands, as well as numerous football clashes. Among these, the 1986 encounter stands out, where Diego Maradona scored two goals. One is famously known as the "Goal of the Century," a dazzling dribble for the 2-1 lead involving 11 touches in 11 seconds, while the other, the "Hand of God," saw him score with his hand, unseen by the referees, over the leaping goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

In 1998, the two sides met again at the World Cup in France, with Argentina prevailing 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time against a ten-man English squad. In 2002, the English secured a 1-0 victory in the group stage from a penalty converted by David Beckham.

"We have to be realistic. In the next match, we must be better. Being in the semi-finals again is a historic event. It doesn't matter if it's England or Norway; we will face a team with a great coach. Now we need to recover. That's what's important," he concluded.