DIEGO MARADONA
WORLD CUP 2018: DON’T RETURN HOME IF YOU LOSE TO NIGERIA, MARADONA TELLS ARGENTINA
Argentine hero and Legend, Diego Maradona has issued a scathing warning to his country’s team at the ongoing Fifa World Cup in Russia, urging them to finish their group campaign with a flourish by defeating Nigeria and Croatia in their remaining group fixtures.
El Diego said this in assessment of his country’s World Cup draw with Iceland, warning manager Jorge Sampaoli that he would not be welcome back home unless he changes his tactics.
Argentina got a rude shock in their opening match against Iceland and need to win their remaining matches against Croatia and Nigeria to be able to avoid the disgrace of an early exit from the Russia World Cup.
“Playing like that, he can’t come back to Argentina,” the 1986 World Cup winner told Venezuelan television. “It’s a disgrace. Not having prepared for the match knowing that Iceland are all 1.90m tall… I get the feeling there’s a general anger at the heart of the team,” said Maradona.
Maradona said that the road to qualification is difficult pointing Nigeria as a stubborn opponent that may stop them in their last qualification match. ‘’The Nigerians are young and very fast. Their counter-attacks and pace are a beauty to behold. I wonder how Sampaoli do it. All I know is that he would not be welcomed back to Argentina if he does not guide Argentina to beat Croatia and Nigeria to qualify.”
Argentina play Croatia in their next game in Saint Petersburg on 21 June.
DAILY TIMES