Otamendi: "Those photos are taken out of context".
FIFA WORLD CUP
The central defender Argentinian explains that the Dutch players had provoked him beforehand.
Journalist details what happened between Messi and Weghorst: "I was there"
- Javier Alfaro
Jefe de Sección | Fútbol
It happened just after Lautaro Martinez scored the goal from the penalty spot that qualified Argentina for the semifinals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Most of the "Albiceleste" players turned to the Dutch, defiantly, in a gesture that has undoubtedly generated controversy. But center-back Nicolas Otamendi explained minutes later that the scene had a backstory. "Those photos are taken out of context. There was a Netherlands player who, every time we were about to take a penalty, he went to the kicker and said something. There came a point when...well...it came out in the moment to do that gesture and then I went to celebrate with my teammates," he said in the mixed zone.
The Netherlands and Argentina played a high-voltage match that had a controversial ending. But be that as it may, it will be the "Albiceleste" who will play in the semifinals. It will be against Croatia next Tuesday, with a place in the final at stake.
