Maaskant empathises with Scaloni’s tears after World Cup final

Former Dutch coach Robert Maaskant said he fully understands the tears of Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after the World Cup final, calling the emotional outburst completely understandable. Maaskant made the remarks during the Oranjezomer, the Netherlands' summer training camp, and emphasized the pressure of leading a nation in a final.

Maaskant told the press, “I fully understand this,” referring to Scaloni’s reaction. He added that any man representing his country in a final, having grown with the squad, would feel justified in losing and shedding tears.

Scaloni could not contain his emotions at the post‑match press conference. He broke down in tears, forced the interview to end early and left the room before the session concluded.

Hélène Hendriks then asked Maaskant what would happen if Ronald Koeman had reacted the same way after Oranje’s loss. Maaskant replied, “We are not that kind of country. We are not that grown‑up. We do not know these emotions at all. That is the big difference with South America. They are in a different race and they have this. They do not nuance at all, we always do.”

His comments, delivered in the Oranjezomer, add a perspective to ongoing debates about emotional expression in football and highlight cultural contrasts between European and South American footballing mentalities.