Argentina must build on World Cup show – Javier Mascherano

Sport360 staff 12:35 13/06/2015
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  • It’s about time: At 31, this could be Mascherano’s last Copa America.

    Javier Mascherano has urged his team-mates to finally go and win something ahead of Argentina’s opening match in Chile.

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    The Albiceleste play Paraguay as they head down a path which they hope ends with an overdue international title, something they have not won in the last 23 years.

    Argentina have not won the Copa America since 1993 while finishing as runners-up to Germany at the last World Cup was not enough for Mascherano and his colleagues, who have under-performed on the international stage despite a rollcall of the world’s best players.

    Mascherano said: “It’s not a matter of egos, but each of us needs to win something with the national team. We want to consolidate the work that has been done in the last few years and it would be very good to add a cup to that second-placed finish in Brazil.”

    Not even winning the Champions League last week was enough for the Barcelona midfielder.

    “When you win something, it’s like taking a drug,” he added. “It’s addictive and you want to keep on winning. The national team are all set up to win the title.

    "If you check through the names we have a great team. That allows you to start dreaming.”

    Now coached by Gerardo Martino, Argentina play with a more aggressive style, although most of the players are the same as when Alejandro Sabella was the boss.

    “As we put more players into the attack we will take more risks, but we will have more chances too,” he added.

    “Martino has brave ideas. I’ve been playing like this for seven years at Barcelona, but in the national team it requires a lot more work.”

    Elsewhere in Group B, holders Uruguay take on Jamaica without five players who proved pivotal in their triumph four years ago. 

    Luis Suarez is suspended, Diego Forlan has retired from international duty while veteran trio Diego Lugano, Martin Caceres and Sebastian Abreu are all unavailable through injuries.

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