Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has suggested it’s the team’s nature to do things the hard way.
La Albiceleste needed another extra-time period to make their way past Switzerland. It’s the second time in three games the South Americans have had to go 120 minutes after previously drawing with Cape Verde in normal time.
Argentina ultimately pulled clear to triumph 3-1 after Breel Embolo was sent off.
“We knew that we were going to suffer, and this is part of our blood, this is part of our DNA, and this brings peace of mind,” said Scaloni after the match.
“In Qatar, we were not that experienced, I myself included, and those kind of situations were very difficult.
“However, now we are more experienced because we know what it feels like to be dominated by the opponent, to concede an equaliser, so today we kept our composure. The team knew how to remain calm and, of course, we will never give up.”
It sets the stage for a difficult test as far as England are concerned, knowing they’ll next take on an opponent who is used to wading through difficulty and still emerging on top.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni wore his heart on his sleeve(Image: Elsa, Getty Images)