By Iseoluwa Raychel
Argentina U20 coach, Javier Mascherano is devastated after his side lost to Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup, Sportivationng.com reports.
Argentina, the hosts, came into the round of 16 tie against the Nigerian team as favourites on the back heel of an unbeaten run, but fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki were the goal scorers for Flying Eagles after the African team survived a first half onslaught from the Albiceleste’s side.
The defeat dampened Argentina’s status at the U20 tournament, having won title six times, but Mascherano insist that ‘life goes on’ as he look to forge ahead with the team.
“Life goes on, it hurts our souls, we did everything,” the former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder lamented to BATimes.
“The boys gave everything, but football is like that: sometimes it gives you, and sometimes it takes away.”
In aftermath of the defeat, the 38-year-old said he would remain as head coach of the young Albiceleste until he is told to resign.
“I have a great relationship with [AFA President Claudio] Tapia and I will continue until he doesn’t want me to.
“He has my resignation on his desk but my idea is to continue because I feel I’m good for this [role] and as long as they believe the same I’ll be here,” he added.
