KOLKATA: Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, who made his debut at the helm of affairs in the FIFA international friendly against Venezuela, praised his boys for his side’s 1-0 victory and said it was good to start off on a winning note.
Argentina faced some resistance from Venezuela before prevailing over them by a Nicolas Otamendi goal in the 67th minute at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Sabella surprised many by taking a time out in the match but said he took the permission of the referee and the opposition coach before doing that.
“I spoke to Venezuela coach and then the referee and after taking permission we agreed to stop for two minutes for the hot and humid conditions,” he said.
Sabella said his side is looking forward to play against Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers on October 11.
“It feels happy that we won. It’s good to win the first match. I am looking forward to our next match against the same team in the World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
The stadium’s artificial turf was much criticised for the hard surface but it, however, earned praise from the Argentine coach. “We are not used to play. But it’s very very good. It was in very good condition,” he said.
Asked about the power tripping during the Venezuela post-match press conference, Sabella smiled and said, “The light problem is all over the world.” (PTI)
