“We arrived in the best way we could arrive. With high levels and the group with filming because the results allowed us all to play a good number of minutes. Now we have to go for the game with our weapons”expressed the “Jefecito” in the press conference that he gave before the last practice at the Hilario Sánchez stadium in San Martín de Juan.
The day before the start of the decisive phase of the World Cup, the emblem of the National Team as a player also highlighted the value of the opportunity to face this instance and nothing less than at home.
“You also have to enjoy it because it’s a World Cup round of 16 and with our people. If they told us three months ago, we would have paid because we were out”he stressed.
After the three games from low to high in the group stage, Mascherano has things clear and is convinced of what his team can give.
“The reality is that more than doubts, all this reaffirmed to me that we were not mistaken in the boys we brought because anyone is fit to play and for the coach it is a blessing,” he admitted.
Mascherano only slipped that he will make “some modifications” and pointed out the tranquility generated by “the high level” and the “harmony” of the group.
Argentina closed the group stage with a perfect score and despite being one of the best two they will face Nigeria, who finished third with six in the area they shared with Brazil and Italy.
“In a World Cup and in defining instances you find yourself with rivals who require you to raise your level. We have a third of the most difficult, but it is a challenge and an opportunity because if things go very well we will come out stronger”warning.
“Nigeria came third in a very tough and difficult group, where they faced two candidates. But we are not here to choose rivals; it is what we had to do”, added the “Little Boss”, before analyzing tomorrow’s rival.
“It is a strong team, especially physically. We know that we are not going to beat them by running. That is why it will be key to have the ball and through possession, attack as a block,” he explained.
Mascherano feels comfortable when he talks about tactical aspects and he elaborated on the observation he made about the African team. “We have to be very careful with direct play, because from midfield forward they can hurt us with transitions,” he warned.
In this sense, the former midfielder will emphasize avoiding a “long team” and attacking “with order” so that Nigeria does not take their coaches off guard.
“It is clear that we are going to have to control the game and we must take it calmly. We must take advantage of the time of the game and not go crazy with the idea of wanting to win it from the beginning,” he warned. He also highlighted the need to “not have unnecessary losses” in possession, since that will give more chances to the rival who will be “expecting” the mistake.
Regarding the formation, it is not yet possible to know if Lautaro Di Lollo or Tomás Aviles will play in defense, Federico Redondo or Máximo Perrone together with Mateo Tanlongo in the middle and Matías Soulé or Luka Romero in attack.
Consequently, the probable alignment would be with Federico Gomes Gerth; Agustín Giay, Di Lollo or Avilés, Valentín Gómez and Valentín Barco; Mateo Tanlongo and Perrone or Redondo; Brian Aguirre, Valentín Carboni, Soulé or Romero; and Alejo Veliz.
In search of the quarterfinals, Argentina will face Nigeria tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at the San Juan del Bicentenario stadium, in front of almost 28,000 spectators.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
