Lionel Messi has praised the ‘impressive’ Tottenham Hotspur centre-back, Cristian Romero, alongside Nicolas Otamendi, after Argentina progressed to the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup on Saturday.
Despite a late scare, the South American giants beat Australia 2-1 in Doha, with Tottenham’s first-choice centre-back playing alongside Otamendi at the heart of their nation’s defence.
Even if this same centre-back pairing were beaten by Saudi Arabia for Argentina’s opening game of the World Cup, they faired a lot better against the Aussies.
Yes, they conceded late in the second half when Craig Goodwin’s shot took a huge deflection off Enzo Fernandez.
But one of the pre-World Cup favourites remained firm to hang onto the win, with Messi praising the men at the back after the game, as he told FIFA.
“We were all on top form,” said Messi. “If I had to single someone out today. Otamendi and Romero have been impressive.
“They have been key players in each match. Once again, their defence was impressive. But everyone deserved it (Man of the Match) because we gave it our all.
“But if I had to single someone out, they have been putting in a lot of effort to win since the start of the World Cup.”
ARGENTINA V NETHERLANDS
The first quarter-final game is set and it’s the old experienced pro of Louis van Gaal looking to pit his wits against the rising young gun, Lionel Scaloni.
Netherlands beat the USA 3-1 for their round of 16 game, and just like Scaloni’s side, they were 2-0 up and were then begged back.
Now their fast-moving, athletic and fearless forward line will want to take the spotlight away from a certain Lionel Messi, who is cooking in this competition, so far.
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