Argentina’s stay in the 2018 World Cup is no longer in their own hands after defeated 3-0 against Croatian. Goals from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic sealed the huge defeat for Jorge Sampaoli’s side.
Former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has reacted to Willy Caballero’s error. Chelsea’s No.2 goalkeeper made an unbelievable error against Croatia on Thursday night.
Caballero simply had to play the ball up the pitch following Gabriel Mercado’s back-pass but he attempted an elaborate chip back to his teammate who had pulled out wide.
The Argentina goalkeeper tried a terrible flick in his own box which presented Ante Rebic with a great opportunity to give Croatia the lead which was finished brilliantly in the 53rd minute.
“I feel so sorry for Willy Caballero, I spent three years with him at Manchester City. It was a great chance for him at the World Cup with Sergio Romero’s injury, he could have came in and showed his class. But you cannot make those errors at a World Cup. I feel so sorry for him but it was a huge mistake.” Zabaleta said.
“I’ve never seen a performance like that of Argentina, never before, in the spirit they were not there and it was strange to see.
“In the second half we were not I think that after Caballero’s error, it was mentally very difficult for the team to bounce back and try to win the game, the whole team and all the players should have done better.” Zabaleta added.
Lionel Messi and teammates need to win their next match against Nigeria in order to reach round of 16. (Source:www.soccerhighlightstoday.com)
The La Albiceleste must now to beat Nigeria in their final group game, in order to prevent themselves from getting an early plane home.
Zabaleta on the other hand, he believes that there is very little chance to see Lionel Messi again in the 2018 World Cup after the first round following Argentina’s huge defeat against Croatia.
“I just feel so sorry for Lionel Messi. This was his last chance to win something with national team, so I wouldn’t be surprise to see him retire from international football after this. He will be so disappointed and it is another four years until Qatar.” Zabaleta said.
“A lot of players are great in our memories without winning the World Cup. If he wins he is a great player, but he is still a great player if he doesn’t. How many great players didn’t win it? I don’t remember Johan Cruyff or Michael Platini doing it.” the 33-year-old defender added.
