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Scaloni dismisses favoritism accusations ahead of Switzerland quarterfinal

After Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan claimed the Round of 16 match against Argentina (3-2) was "rigged", Lionel Scaloni calmly responded at a press conference, denying any favoritism toward Argentina.

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Scaloni dismisses favoritism accusations ahead of Switzerland quarterfinal
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Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Saturday to respond to accusations of favoritism toward Argentina, ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland.

The controversy erupted after the Round of 16 between Argentina and Egypt (3-2). Eliminated on the wire, Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan did not mince words, targeting referee François Letexier’s performance: “I will say what I think, whatever the consequences: this match was clearly rigged, and the whole world saw it. If they want Argentina to win so badly, why did they call everyone to come and participate?”

Asked whether he could use these criticisms as an additional source of motivation, Scaloni responded calmly. “There are always criticisms, and I’m not talking only about Argentina. We can use that to show the players that some people don’t want Argentina to win. We can use that to make the players better.” But the Argentine coach was explicit on the substance: “There is no favoritism, today that seems very difficult to me with VAR.”

Argentina approaches this quarterfinal in a paradoxical position. Defending champions after their penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final, the Albiceleste were tested like rarely before by Egypt in the previous round, before narrowly escaping. Against Switzerland, they are again presented as the clear favorites, but will need to confirm that the doubts raised in the Round of 16 are only temporary.

Lionel Messi and his teammates play this quarterfinal in the night from Saturday to Sunday at 3 a.m.

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