We were careless against Flying Eagles, Mascherano laments

Argentina U-20 coach, Javier Mascherano, has admitted his side was careless after their 2-0 loss to Nigeria on Wednesday, The PUNCH reports.

Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad (61st minute) and Rilwanu Sarki in additional time of the feisty encounter secured a remarkable win for Ladan Bosso’s team, who were the underdogs prior to the game.

The win also ended the young La Abliceleste’s winning streak of 10 straight U-20 World Cup games.

Before the clash, Mascherano’s side had won all seven games when they hosted the tournament in 2001, as well as their first three at this edition.

Speaking with Mundo Albiceleste, the former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder expressed disappointment over his team’s ouster from the tourney, but congratulated the Flying Eagles for their feat.

“I knew that it would cost us if we were careless and that penalised us a lot,” Mascherano said.

“The team tried and the boys left everything. The guys have to try and lift their heads up and continue with their clubs.

“In this game, merit has nothing to do with the result. It hurts our soul. We did everything to try and continue in the tournament.

“Football is like this. At times it gives you and at other times it takes away. Today was that situation and you have to congratulate Nigeria.

“We showed calmness to play and we played the match we had to play but it didn’t give.”

On his future, Mascherano said, “I have a great relationship with Chiqui Tapia (AFA president). I will continue if they believe that I am good for this.

“He (Tapia) knows that he has my resignation at his desk every day. In the meantime, I am calm. At no time did I come back just for this World Cup? My idea is to continue.”