Sabella: Argentina ´have already won´ 9 July 2014 01:30 Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said his side have nothing to lose in their FIFA World Cup semi-final with the Netherlands on Wednesday. The South Americans remain their continents only hope of winning the trophy, after hosts Brazil capitulated in their semi-final with Germany, losing 7-1. Despite packing an in-form Lionel Messi in his side, Sabella insisted his men have already achieved their aims in Brazil and any win from here on is a bonus. As football is illogical, I dont know what will happen. I do know that to reach the final we have to improve, Sabella said on Tuesday. We came here to go as far as possible. The objective was to reach the quarter-finals after 24 years, but now we want to reach the final. There mustnt be frustration or sadness if we dont get there. Whatever the semi- final result, we have already won. Dutch winger Arjen Robben is Argentinas biggest threat for the clash at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, according to Sabella. Robben is a player who can certainly go one-on-one and that way create superiority, so well keep an eye on him for special treatment, he said. We need to surround him, stop him from getting up a head of steam, otherwise itll be very difficult to get the ball back. Attacking midfielder Angel di Maria will miss the semi-final due to a thigh injury sustained in their quarter- final win over Belgium, and is reportedly not going to recover in time should the Argentines reach the final. Sabella said Di Marias replacement - Enzo Perez - was below the Real Madrid mans level, but the Benfica midfielder would still play his role. I have always said Di Maria is a very important player, as he brings balance, won the [UEFA] Champions League, is wanted all over Europe and gets on very well with Messi, Sabella said. Perez has fewer moments of magic but he holds the space well, is suited to major competitions and has matured a great deal in psychological terms. Its no coincidence he was named best player in Portugal. Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has recovered from a thigh injury that has seen him miss both of their knockout-stage matches, with Sabella revealing he could be used off the bench. Sergio Aguero is improving and trained a little today. Well see how the game develops and whether hell be needed, the coach said. ! ! ! #Opera_news ! ! #Reza
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 05:08:58 +0000
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