Argentina and PSG left winger, Anger Di Maria has expressed relief that his country’s 2-4 loss to Nigeria was not a World Cup proper.
A star-studded Argentina with Angel Di Maria and others blew a two-goal advantage having gotten the lead from Ever Banega’s free-kick in the 28th minute and Sergio Aguero in the 36th minute.
“What a match. We started well, successfully held the first half. But the goal of the Nigerians before the break was a turning point,” Angel Di María said at a press conference.
”We were physically overpowered by a very strong opponent. And we calmed down a bit, and we paid for it. It’s good that this is not the World Cup yet.
”We will slowly play, correct the mistakes. Italy? She received a serious blow. Extra proof that any team can win from the so-called heavyweights.” Di Maria told reporters.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester attacker was replaced in the 76th minute, in the high profile encounter.
Meanwhile, Russia-based Brian Idowu made his debut for Nigeria against Argentina and surprisingly the defender scored his first appearance less than ten minutes when he came in as a second-half substitute for Ola Aina.
Idowu scored the third goal for the Super Eagles in the 54th minute from an assist from Kelechi Iheanacho.
”Before going on the field for a long time I was not so shaken up, to be honest. It was just for me the most important match – the debut game for the national team,” Idowu told reporters.
”My father watched the match in the stands, and many teammates watched on TV. At the beginning of the game, I calmed down. When I scored, I did not believe myself: I scored just three goals for Amkar. And then I scored on my debut.”
On his chances of making Nigeria’s World Cup roster, the versatile defender replied: ”There are always chances. The main thing is for me to work on myself and progress.
”As the coach said at the press conference, my performances for the club will be taken into account when deciding whether to call me or not.”
The Russian based defender put up a solid performance against Argentina and was able to balance the defence and and attack
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