Javier Mascherano is said to have been the inspirational voice behind Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final win over Belgium.
The South Americans booked a place in the final four through Gonzalo Higuain’s first-half goal and Mundo Deportivo cites reports from Argentina that credit the Barcelona man with making the difference.
It’s said that Mascherano evoked the disappointment of World Cup 1990 and, in a speech involving a few four-letter words, called on the team not to live with the same regret as their predecessors.
“We can still make history. There is nothing better than giving happiness to others. I’m not interested in personal happiness. And I know today, everyone is happy,” is how Mascherano’s speech is said to have gone in part.
Mascherano himself admitted to using strong words to rally his colleagues, and Argentina duly held on to set up a semi-final against the Netherlands.
