Argentina reaching the World Cup semi-finals is one of the greatest achievements in the country’s history, claimed coach Marcelo Loffreda after their 19-13 defeat of Scotland at the Stade de France.

The Pumas chief admitted that the team had not been as slick as in previous wins over hosts France and Ireland but they would recover before next Sunday’s semi-final against 1995 champions South Africa.

“I think for Argentinian rugby this is a huge achievement,” said Loffreda.

“Obviously we also look at all the work that has gone behind it to bring about today’s (Sunday’s) result.

“We have recorded the biggest success we could ever have imagined. It isn’t over yet of course and we will do some hard work over next weeks.

“This is hugely worthy, and to my mind one of the greatest achievements in Argentinian history.”

Argentinian captain Agustin Pichot, who has been at the heart of the amazing progress made by the Pumas, who were also quarter-finalists in 1999, agreed that the team had not been able to keep up their high intensity game as on previous occasions.

“It was very tough,” the 33-year-old former Stade Francais scrum half said.

“We were playing one of the best sides in the world and lacked freshness after playing two really tough matches.

“We tried to change our tactics. Everything can become difficult and run out of your hands if you do that.”

-AFP

Popularity: 5% [?]

Tags: Coach, praises, plucky, Argentines

Posted on October 8th, 2007 by Klaus Roe
Filed under: Rugby Union