‘2-5 shock loss to Japan’ Argent leads Mascherano “no excuse for long flights” rant
Javier Mascherano, the “Living Legend” who is leading Argentina’s U-22 national soccer team as it prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, was deeply disappointed with the team’s shock loss to Japan.
“I don’t want to blame long-haul flight fatigue (for the trip),” Mascherano said after the 2-5 loss to Japan’s U-22 national team in an exhibition match in Shizuoka the previous day, according to Japan’s Sportshochi newspaper.
“They scored the equalizer (in the second half) and then they gained momentum and we couldn’t cope,” he admitted.
“When you start making mistakes in soccer, you lose more and more confidence,” he added.
Argentina conceded an early goal to Kane Sato in the 18th minute, but Pablo Solari equalized four minutes later, and the hosts took the lead five minutes into the second half.
But Argentina collapsed in the second half, scoring four goals in a 22-minute span from the 21st to the 43rd minute through Yuito Suzuki (two), Yuta Matsumura and Shio Fukuda.
Mascherano has set his sights on a title in Paris. 먹튀검증
Argentina has won two gold medals at the Olympics.
Most notably, they won in Beijing 2008 with Lionel Messi.
That’s why it’s so shocking to see them lose an exhibition game to Japan.
Argentina will play one more exhibition game against Japan behind closed doors.
“It’s not good to feel like this,” Mascherano said.
That’s why we play friendlies,” Mascherano said, adding that “there are so many things we need to work on” and that he was disappointed with the first loss to Japan.
On the other hand, Japan’s head coach Oiwago was pleased with the result, saying, “We showed that we can play our style against any opponent.”
