Mascherano who is at the heart of defence have done splendid job so far
Argentina's Javier Mascherano celebrates after Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-2 in a penalty shootout (Photo: AP)
Rio de Janerio: Argentina had to rely upon their leader and Barcelona star to squeeze past the Netherlands and reach their first World Cup final for 24 years, but it wasn’t the one they expected.Javier Mascherano continued his fine World Cup with a last-ditch tackle deep into stoppage time to prevent Arjen Robben’s goalbound effort from breaking the deadlock before Argentina prevailed on penalties.
“It was more my job. When Robben took a heavy touch, he lost a second, and I was able to make the challenge. I did what anyone would have done,” Mascherano argued modestly afterwards.Whilst four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi carries the armband and provides the stardust, Mascherano is the heart and soul of this Argentina side.
If Messi leads by his example, Mascherano is the vocal leader. The latest example of that coming before the penalty shootout against the Dutch when “the little chief” could be seen telling goalkeeper Sergio Romero, “tonight you become a hero in Argentina.” Romero went onto make the two crucial saves in the shootout.Mascherano had been captain at the last World Cup under Diego Maradona, who claimed after taking the job his side would be “Mascherano and 10 more.” That speaks volumes about the man in the midfield.
( Source : AFP )
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