Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final FIFA World Cup group stage match, and Palacios spoke to TyC Sports after the game.
This was your first start in a FIFA World Cup, and you faced an added challenge by playing in an unfamiliar position. That wasn't easy, was it?
Yes, it was indeed a new experience for me. But that's no excuse—players are here to help the team in whatever position is needed. This time, I was placed in this position, so I adapted as quickly as possible and followed the coach's instructions and the team's guidance.
You've been one of the most frequently selected players during Lionel Scaloni's tenure, almost always on the national team roster, but you may not have had a starting opportunity in the FIFA World Cup before. What does it mean to you to finally get such an opportunity after so much persistence and waiting?
Of course, I've always been happy to be part of this national team's entire cycle. As I just said, no matter my position, I will support the team; and when I'm needed on the field, I'll be ready. All of us are very united, and that's why we've been able to get this far.
Everyone might have expected the Round of 16 opponent to be Uruguay or Spain, but it turned out to be Cape Verde. How do you view that? What was your reaction?
We're still taking it one step at a time. The main thing is to focus on our own game and do what we need to do. Of course, the last group stage match also needs to end on a high note. We performed well, and winning was very important. Now we need to start preparing for the next match and continue moving forward step by step. We're in good form right now.
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