Argentina have made unwanted waves in Brazil by reaching the Word Cup final in their fiercest rivals’ backyard, but Pablo Zabaleta feels that the hatred from the terraces has acted as a spur for his team.
The draw could have seen Argentina take on Brazil in the final on Sunday, something many perhaps thought was going to happen given the conditions, but Germany’s 7-1 humiliation of the hosts has ended that ‘dream’ final.
Germany’s performance has made the world of football take notice of Joachim Low’s men who are installed at 2.20 to win in 90 minutes, with Argentina having been less impressive in their World Cup campaign to date.
Alejandro Sabella’s men won all of their group games by one goal and repeated the dose in the knockout stages, beating Switzerland and Belgium 1-0 before needing penalties to see off the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Argentina have had little help from the stands but Zabaleta insists that the locals cheering on their opponents has just been further motivation for La Albiceleste.
“It’s special for us to play in this country,” the Manchester City defender said. “Especially as Brazilian fans have been against Argentina at this World Cup.
“Sometimes, if you have all the people against you, you feel even stronger.
“I think we showed that against Holland and we feel very proud to have made the final.”
Argentina now take on the might of Germany in the final and can be backed at 3.20 to win in 90 minutes, or at 12.00 and 9.50 to win in extra time or on penalties respectively.
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