Argentina defender backs World Cup referees, says they did excellent job
Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez dismissed the controversy surrounding the refereeing in the World Cup and said the referees delivered an excellent performance, after Egypt criticized the officiating decisions in their dramatic 3-2 defeat in the round of 16.
Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals after coming from 2-0 down, with 11 minutes left on the clock, to defeat Egypt.
However, the match sparked complaints from the Egyptian Football Association regarding the use of video technology, particularly the disallowing of Mostafa Ziko's goal in the 62nd minute, which would have doubled the Pharaohs' lead.
Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA's Referees Committee, has since defended the referees, rejecting allegations of bias and insisting that they worked independently.
Martinez told reporters when asked if he had anything to say about the refereeing in the tournament: "No, nothing at all."
He added: "I think they are doing an excellent job. That is your (the media's) concern, you sometimes stir up controversy. We focus on giving our best on the pitch and nothing more."
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Argentina plays Switzerland on Saturday in the quarter-finals in Kansas City.
The defending champions showed respect for the European team while stressing the need to stay focused on their own performance.
Martinez said: "As always, what characterizes this team is respect for the opponent."
He added: "If Switzerland reached this stage, it is because they have great abilities. We watched their match against Colombia, they always try to give their best. They are very strong physically and also in set pieces. I think it will be a great match because both teams try to give their best."
Defender Cristian Romero echoed that message, saying Argentina focuses primarily on addressing their own shortcomings.
Romero, who scored Argentina's first goal in the match against Egypt, said: "Regardless of who we face, whatever the opponent's name or where they come from, we always focus on ourselves and on correcting the mistakes we make."
Original source: Sky News Arabia
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