Nicolas Otamendi admits Argentina play differently without Lionel Messi, as “we need to have more of the ball” the way they did against Italy.
He had one of the best chances of the first half, his header testing Gigi Buffon, before Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini scored on the counter.
“The important thing is that we kept the ball for long periods,” the Manchester City defender told TyC Sports after the 2-0 result.
Nicolas Otamendi admits Argentina play differently without Lionel Messi, as “we need to have more of the ball” the way they did against Italy.
He had one of the best chances of the first half, his header testing Gigi Buffon, before Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini scored on the counter.
“The important thing is that we kept the ball for long periods,” the Manchester City defender told TyC Sports after the 2-0 result.
“When Messi plays, he draws many opposition defenders towards him and creates spaces for others, but without him we need to have more of the ball.
“We are improving, little by little, but must still do better defensively. I always ask more of myself and work hard in silence.”