Argentina were on the wrong end of one of the World Cup’s greatest shocks on Tuesday morning as Saudi Arabia overcame the South American giants.
Fans across the world were stunned by the result, and many celebrated a story that, for once, saw the underdogs come out on top.
Sadly though, the national sentiment in Argentina isn’t quite so positive, and the media back in South America were less than impressed by one player – Cristian Romero.
Indeed, Romero didn’t have his best game against the Saudis and some journalists back home have been critiquing his showing, with some even predicting he’ll be dropped for the second game of this tournament.
Argentine press slam Romero
Romero didn’t earn many plaudits in La Voz and the Argentine version of AS
“Scaloni will not repeat eleven against Mexico. Several changes are already expected for Saturday, such as that of Cuti Romero. The player from Tottenham has not been good today and could remain on the bench on the second day,” AS’s match report stated.
“The two goals left him exposed, especially the first, and the manager decided to replace him with Lisandro Martínez. After the first goal, there were signs towards the bench and the face of “Cuti” was not the same,” La Voz wrote after the game.
Not match fit
After missing weeks of action for Tottenham, it’s not unfair to suggest that Romero may not have been fully fit heading into this game.
In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Tottenham man dropped for the next match after a poor showing against Saudi Arabia, with Lisandro Martinez likely to take his place in the XI.
Romero needs to get his act together if he wants to make any sort of impression on this tournament.
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