Tuchel challenges La Scaloneta in the preview

In the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Thomas Tuchel sparked controversy by labeling Argentina as a "beatable" team. The German coach, now at the helm of England, assured that he does not feel intimidated by facing the defending champions and made it clear that his team is ready to strike.

England arrives with confidence and statistics.

The English advance to the semifinals was thanks to Jude Bellingham's brace against Norway. With that momentum, Tuchel recalled that England has not lost to Argentina in the last five official encounters without penalties (two victories and three draws), including the 3-2 victory in a friendly in 2005 with goals from Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney. The coach is now looking to become the fourth manager in history to reach a World Cup final with a team other than his own country, something that hasn't happened since Ernst Happel with the Netherlands in 1978.

Messi, the great challenge

Tuchel acknowledged the strength of the Scaloneta, highlighting the experience and competitiveness of their players, but insisted: "Every team in the world is beatable." In that context, the inevitable focus is on Lionel Messi, who arrives with eight goals in the tournament and has become the second player in history to record more than 10 goal contributions in two different World Cups, alongside Kylian Mbappé. It will also be his first encounter against England in a World Cup.

The German coach even hinted at the possibility of resorting to an "old tactic" to stop the Argentine captain: "I thot about man-to-man marking. I don't know if we'll do it, but it crossed my mind. Everyone knows the spaces where he wants to appear. If you close one pattern, he finds another."

A semifinal full of tension

La Scaloneta arrives after coming back against Switzerland in the quarter-finals and with Lionel Scaloni's conviction intact, while England bets on Tuchel's tactical discipline and Bellingham's talent. The clash promises to be a collision of styles and personalities, with Messi as the focal point and English confidence as the driving force. The match will take place in Atlanta, where it will be decided who advances to the grand final on July 19.

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