Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez isn’t interested in the referee noise. With all the chatter about VAR decisions and alleged favoritism toward the reigning World Cup champions, Martinez flatly dismissed the idea that officials are tipping the scales for Lionel Messi and company.
“No, absolutely none,” Martinez said when asked if there was any truth to the conspiracy theories floating around. “I think they are doing an excellent job. That’s something for you (the press), who sometimes create the controversies. We focus on giving our best on the pitch and nothing else.”
The timing of his comments matters. Argentina just pulled off a wild 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the Round of 16, and the Egyptian Football Association wasn’t happy about it. They formally protested the use of VAR, specifically pointing to Mostafa Zico’s disallowed goal in the 62nd minute. FIFA’s head of refereeing Pierluigi Collina backed his officials, rejected any suggestion of bias toward the defending champs, and stressed that VAR decisions are made independently.
Quarters in Kansas City
Argentina plays Switzerland on Saturday in the quarterfinals. The Swiss are coming off a win over Colombia and carry some real momentum. Argentina is the favorite on paper but the squad isn’t taking anything for granted.
Martinez gave Switzerland credit where it’s due. “As always, what defines this team is respect for the opponent. If Switzerland have reached this stage, it’s because they have a lot of merit. They are very strong physically and also on set pieces. I think it will be a great spectacle.”
Fellow center-back Cristian Romero, who scored the opening goal in the Egypt comeback, took a different angle. He said the focus should be on Argentina’s own performance, regardless of who lines up across from them.
“Regardless of who we face, the name of the opponent, or where they come from, we always focus on ourselves and on correcting the mistakes we make,” Romero said.
Switzerland won’t be an easy out. They’re organized, physical and dangerous on set pieces — that’s exactly how you give a team like Argentina problems. The Argentine defense will have to be sharp, especially early. The Egypt game showed they can be vulnerable before they find their rhythm.
Messi is Messi, so there’s always that. But the story of this tournament for Argentina might be how the rest of the squad responds when things get tight. Martinez and Romero are the backbone of that. If they keep playing like they have, the referee talk probably won’t matter.
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