Arrigo Sacchi says he and Arsene Wenger ‘thought the same thing’ after 30 minutes in Argentina-Croatia and admits Julian Alvarez is the ideal striker for him: ‘He runs more than Lautaro…’
The former Milan and Italy coach analysed the World Cup semi-finals in an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport. Sacchi is in Qatar and watched both games from the stands.
“I was sitting close to Arsene Wenger and after 30 minutes, we thought the same thing. As a team, Croatia were better [than Argentina] and watching Luka Modric is always a pleasure,” said Sacchi.
“Mateo Kovacic surprised me, but Croatia had played extra time in the previous two games. In modern times, it’s like playing one game more.
“They could not repeat the perfect match against Brazil. They conceded a goal with a counter-attack, they lacked a shield in front of the defence.”
How many chances to Argentina have of winning the World Cup?
“They have experienced players with a superior mentality. A lot will depend on Messi who knows how to be loved. I haven’t seen him blame a teammate yet.”
Sacchi agreed that the South Americans look solid defensively, although “defenders don’t move together, they just look at the opponent.”
Inter striker Lautaro Martinez lost his starting spot to Man City’s Julian Alvarez after the first two games. What does Sacchi make of Lionel Scaloni’s decision?
“He [Alvarez] runs more than Lautaro and given that Messi doesn’t do it, Scaloni needs somebody who runs a lot even without the ball. Alvarez would have been the ideal centre forward for me.”
How about France? Do they deserve a place in the Final?
“I don’t know what would have happened if Harry Kane hadn’t missed the penalty. They are slightly better than Argentina as a team, but they strongly rely on Kylian Mbappé.”
How about Antoine Griezmann?
“He’s been extraordinary, he hasn’t gotten a game wrong. Adrien Rabiot did well too and France felt his absence against Morocco.”
Milan star Theo Hernandez and Olivier Giroud have been shining in Qatar, helping France reach the second World Cup Final in a row, the fourth in the last 24 years.
“Theo respects his left-back duties more, when he is at Milan, it’s difficult to understand if he is a defender, a winger or a striker,” noted Sacchi.
“Giroud is an amazing professional and he deserves this satisfaction.”
Which countries disappointed him the most?
“Brazil and Spain more than anyone else. Spain were too slow, Brazil relied too much on their stars. Football is going the opposite way, it will become a game of collective smartness. Germany played well in the first half against Japan and then they disappeared.
“I’ve read there was tension internally, I don’t know the situation so I can’t judge, I can only say that I used to pick reliable men before good footballers when I was doing my teams.”