Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has brushed aside the historical weight of the World Cup semifinal against England, saying his team is treating it as nothing more than a football match. The 27-year-old has become a key figure in Argentina's midfield, and he said the players are not letting the teams' storied rivalry affect their preparations.
What happened?
Mac Allister scored his first goal in this tournament in Argentina's quarterfinal victory over Switzerland. He has mostly played in a more withdrawn central midfield position at this World Cup than his usual box-to-box role at Liverpool. England holds the better head-to-head World Cup record between the teams, with three wins from their five previous encounters. But Argentina's two victories are arguably the best remembered.
Why it matters for Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister said the team is focused on defending the jersey and their country in the best way possible on the field. He praised manager Lionel Scaloni for his openness and feedback, saying the manager's approach has benefited the team. "He's a good listener and we're grateful for that," Mac Allister said. "We understand it's because of his experience - he's Argentine, he went through the national team, he knows what it means, and in the end we all want what's best for the team."
What comes next?
The World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England is set to take place on July 13. Mac Allister and his teammates are preparing to face their rivals, and they are confident in their abilities. "We take it as a football match, as a World Cup semifinal; we understand everything behind it and all the history, that's something we can't change," Mac Allister said. "What we can do is to defend the jersey and our country in the best way possible on the field, that's what we've always done and what we want to do again."
Mac Allister's comments come as Argentina looks to advance to the World Cup final. The team has a long history of success in the tournament, and Mac Allister is confident that they can make a deep run. "We're grateful for the regular feedback provided by Lionel Scaloni," Mac Allister said. "He's a good listener and we're grateful for that. We understand it's because of his experience - he's Argentine, he went through the national team, he knows what it means, and in the end we all want what's best for the team."
The World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England is set to take place on July 13. Mac Allister and his teammates are preparing to face their rivals, and they are confident in their abilities.