AS Argentina have called for Lionel Scaloni to drop Cristian Romero for Argentina’s clash against Mexico following the centre-back’s poor display against Saudi Arabia.
Argentina, who came into the World Cup as one of the favourites, were on the end of a major upset in their opening game of the tournament, with Saudi Arabia coming from a goal down to win 2-1.
Romero, who started alongside Nicolas Otamendi at the back, looked lacklustre and was at fault for Saudi Arabia’s equaliser as he failed to deal with a long ball and was subsequently unable to run around to block Saleh Alshehri’s low shot into the bottom corner.
The 24-year-old was replaced by Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez just before the hour mark, potentially indicating that all was not well with the Spurs star. AS believe that Scaloni is likely to leave out Romero in the important clash against Mexico on Sunday.
The publication wrote: “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.”
Meanwhile, La Voz suggested that Romero signalled to the Argentina bench after Saudi Arabia’s equaliser, asking to be taken off.
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The publication said: “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.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It was clear to everyone watching that Romero was not 100 per cent fit for the clash against Saudi Arabia. I suspect Martinez was also carrying an injury and Scaloni asked both players to perhaps give him a half each. The Argentina boss’ decision backfired spectacularly.
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