FIFA U20 World Cup: Argentina Coach Javier Mascherano Speaks Following Loss to Nigeria

• Javier Mascherano has admitted his Argentina U20 side made mistakes against the Flying Eagles of Nigeria
• Against all odds, the African side knocked the hosts and tournament favourites out of the FIFA U20 World Cup
• Mascherano has disclosed that his side made two mistakes which eventually cost them the quarter-final ticket

Head coach of the Argentinian under-20 national team, Javier Mascherano, has claimed that two mistakes cost his side against Nigeria at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup.

Nigeria knocked the hosts out of the tournament earlier this week, as the Round of 16 cracker ended 2-0 in favour of the Flying Eagles.

After a goalless first half, Ibrahim Muhammad opened the scoring in the 61st minute when he slotted home from the area, with Rilwanu Sarki adding the icing on the cake in stoppage time to make it 2-0.

Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles of Nigeria arrive in Mendoza for FIFA World Cup; Video

Football

Nigeria have progressed to the quarter-final of the competition, with this being the first time they defeated a South American side at the U20 World Cup.

Mascherano reacts to Nigeria's win

Commenting on the outcome, Mascherano said, per Complete Sports:

“We played the game we had to play and it couldn’t happen. Football is like that, sometimes it gives you and sometimes it takes away. Today we have to congratulate Nigeria. The team tried anyway; we have nothing to blame because the boys left everything. Unfortunately, the two mistakes we had ended in the goals.”

Up next for the Flying Eagles is a quarter-final clash against either Ecuador or South Korea on Sunday.

Nigeria coach Ladan Bosso reacts

Sports Brief also reported on the handler of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, Ladan Bosso revealing the game plan his team had before facing Argentina in the U20 World Cup round of 16 clash.

Mourinho, Roma players relive Bayer Leverkusen game at dinner in interesting video

Football

Going into this encounter, the Flying Eagles had lost their last group game against Brazil but qualified as the best losers, while Argentina had won all three games and were tipped to go far.

This is the first time ever that the Flying Eagles of Nigerian have managed to beat a South American team at the U20 World Cup since their debut in the global youth competition back in 1983.