Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was not in control of his emotions after a blistering World Cup final, which Argentina won. He became one of the youngest national coaches ever to win the World Cup.
Scaloni is 44 and he is the youngest winning coach at a World Cup since his compatriot César Luis Menotti in 1978. It all didn’t get through to Scaloni, who was one of the first to be pushed forward for a reaction to the World Cup win. “With the blows we had to take in the final, and then win like that… I can only tell the Argentinian people: enjoy this.”
Tears flowed when Scaloni started talking about his family: “I’ve always been grateful to my family, but when my mom and dad look on, I want them to know that because of them I never gave up. They let me know that I always had to keep going. I also think it’s important that people know that I didn’t do it alone, we achieved this as a group. I count myself lucky to be there, it’s great.”
Enzo Fernández – Talent of the Tournament
Enzo Fernández was named Talent of the Tournament shortly after the end of the World Cup. The 21-year-old world champion returns home with an extra prize.
Fernández grew into a revelation during the tournament in Qatar. The Benfica midfielder impressed as a substitute in the second group game against Mexico, in which he made it 2-0, and thus forced a place in the starting line-up. Fernández was always in the base on his way to the world title. He stood out with his strong passing and played himself in the spotlight of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Four years ago, Mbappé was voted Talent of the Tournament, but the French star was no longer eligible for that prize due to his age (23). Players can be up to 21 years old. During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Paul Pogba was also a Frenchman who won the prize. Pelé was the very first to receive the award in 1958. Marc Overmars was the only Dutchman in 1994.
