Argentina secured a place in the World Cup final by seeing off the Netherlands on penalties on Wednesday, but coach Alejandro Sabella admits the match may have taken a toll on the players.
Neither Argentina nor the Dutch could find a breakthrough in 120 minutes but the South American nation managed to come out 4-2 on penalties, with keeper Sergio Romero making two crucial saves.
Sabella is delighted to have guided La Albiceleste to Sunday’s final at the Maracana but he admitted his players were “sore, beaten and tired” after their lengthy semi-final clash.
“We could do with a couple more days to rest, but what is important is that we made it to the final,” said Sabella . “Let’s see how we handle it.
“It is the result of a ‘war’ and we will give you the full report as to the casualties tomorrow.”
Argentina will face Germany in Sunday’s final after the European side stunningly overcame hosts Brazil 7-1 on Tuesday.
Sergio Aguero made a return for Argentina as a second-half substitute following injury and the Manchester City forward was delighted to help his side book a place in the final.
He said: “A lot of people didn’t think Argentina would get to the final but we knew what players we had, very good players individually. This means so much.”
Argentina are 3.20 to win Sunday’s final in 90 minutes, Germany can be backed at 2.33 and the draw is available at 3.05.
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