Mascherano eyes Copa America glory

12 June 2015 14:31

Javier Mascherano has urged his team-mates to finally go and win something ahead of Argentina's opening match in the Copa America.

The Albiceleste play Paraguay on Saturday as they head down a path which they hope ends with an overdue international title, something they have not won in the last 23 years.

Finishing as runners-up to Germany at the last World Cup was not enough for Mascherano and his colleagues.

The Barcelona player said: "It's not a matter of egos, but each of us needs to win something with the national team.

"We want to consolidate the work that has been done in the last few years and it would be very good to add a cup to that second-placed finish in Brazil."

Not even winning the Champions League in Berlin last week was enough for the former Liverpool man.

"When you win something, which is not often at all, it's like taking a drug," he added. "It's addictive and you want to keep on winning.

"The national team are all set up to win the title. If you check through the names we have a great team. That allows you to start dreaming."

Now they are coached by Gerardo Martino, Argentina play with a more aggressive style, despite the fact most of the players are the same as when Alejandro Sabella was the boss.

"As we put more players into the attack we will take more risks, but we will have more chances too," said Mascherano.

"Martino has brave ideas. I've been playing like this for seven years at Barcelona, but in the national team it requires a lot more work. Only over time will this system work."

The coach will wait until the last minute to choose his team as some players have minor injuries, but the starting XI should see Sergio Romero as goalkeeper, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi, Ezequiel Garay and Marcos Rojo as defenders, Lucas Biglia, Mascherano and Javier Pastore in midfield, and the forward line composed of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria.

Source: PA