Argentina’s World Cup Final Berth No Fluke: Mauro Airez
The Argentine national team has “found its rhythm” at the perfect time, according to former international Mauro Airez. As the 2026 World Cup approaches its climax, Airez insists that Argentina’s appearance in the final against Spain should come as a surprise to no one who has followed their tactical evolution throughout the tournament.
A Journey of Growth and Grit
Reflecting on Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals, Airez noted that the defending champions have shown remarkable resilience. The 57-year-old former striker, who spent the bulk of his career in Portugal playing for clubs like Benfica and Belenenses, believes the team’s momentum has been building since a shaky start to the knockout rounds.
“For anyone who understands even a little bit about football, no one can find it strange that Argentina reached this final,” Airez said. “They started the knockout stage with a less-than-ideal performance against Cape Verde, but from that point on, they began to grow automatically.”
Scaloni’s Masterclass
Airez heaped praise on head coach Lionel Scaloni, crediting his squad management and tactical flexibility for the team’s success. After securing three straight wins in the group stage, Scaloni notably rotated nearly his entire starting lineup for the third match against Jordan, a move Airez believes was pivotal in keeping the squad fresh for more grueling encounters.
“The coach managed to give the team a rest at the right time. We saw Argentina fall behind on the scoreboard in almost every subsequent game, but as the matches progressed, you could see the maturity of both the team and the coach,” Airez explained. He highlighted Scaloni’s “impressive reading of the game” and his ability to make game-changing substitutions under pressure against opponents like Egypt, Switzerland, and England.
Beyond tactics, Airez pointed to the human element of Scaloni’s leadership. “Scaloni is a coach who listens; the opinion of players of this caliber is important. There is a clear complicity with his team during the most difficult moments,” he noted.
The Final Test: Spain and Yamal
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Airez anticipates a tactical chess match. While confident in the Albiceleste’s chances to retain their world title, he warned of the specific threats posed by a technically gifted Spanish side.
“Spain moves the ball very well and has very interesting players in midfield,” Airez analyzed. He stressed that success will depend on Argentina’s ability to neutralize individual threats—specifically young star Lamine Yamal—while ensuring Lionel Messi has the freedom to operate in the attacking third.
“Argentina must enter with the same will and the same reading of the game they showed against England,” he concluded. “If they maintain that format, they can conquer the world once again.”
Image: Pexels – Renan Braz
