Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has cautioned against considering his team favorites to win the World Cup, despite securing a knockout stage berth with a victory over Austria. Scaloni stated that numerous teams possess the capability to win the tournament, emphasizing a highly competitive field. He believes the outcome will depend less on pre-tournament expectations or individual star players and more on teams’ mental and physical preparedness. Scaloni made these remarks during a post-match press conference following the win against Austria. He indicated the path to the championship will be challenging for all contenders. The coach’s comments suggest a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the competition and the strength of opposing teams. He refrained from highlighting Argentina as a frontrunner, stressing the importance of holistic preparation.