There's no Lionel Messi. Neither did Angelito di María, Rodrigo de Paul or Dibu Martínez. But in Santiago del Estero the furor for the shield that now sports three World Cup stars continues to thrive. The people received the Argentine Under-20 team with almost the same fury with which they had received the world champion squad at the end of March when they came to the northern lands to offer the cup in the friendly with a win against Curacao. Argentine fans want to see Javier Mascherano's team, the most sought after by fans, and sold out tickets for this Saturday's debut at 18 against Uzbekistan in the Unico Madre de Ciudades.
After the disappointment in the South American Championship in Colombia the kids have a new opportunity and will start that dream feeling the warmth of the people very closely. On Thursday evening, when the bus parked outside the hotel, dozens of supporters waited to greet the players and get a photo or autograph. The coach, for his history as an emblem of the runner-up team in Brazil 2014, is the most required by all. But there is also madness for Colo Barco, the 18-year-old side who is a figure in the Primera de Boca by the hand of Jorge Almirón, and for the other boys, several of whom have come from Europe.
"We came from being concentrated in the Ezeiza venue without seeing many people and arriving here, in Santiago, and that there are many people waiting for us is a plus," Ignacio Maestro Puch told Clarín in the prelude to the team's last training session at the Central Córdoba venue. "It is a great joy to arrive in Santiago and see that there are people waiting for us and encouraging us. We didn't expect it. I had never lived it and it made me very happy. That people accompany gives us more security and more desire to play, "said the other Ignacio, Miramón, who fights for a place in the midfield.
The fans of the National Team in Santiago del Estero. (Juano Tesone)
Gino Infantino also told this newspaper: "It's an extra motivation that the stadium is full. We will play in the best way for all of them and for our families. We knew that people were going to be with us and how football is lived in Argentina. We want to enjoy it."
The boys of Mascherano feel contained in Santiago del Estero, where they will face the first two commitments of group A (on Tuesday they will play against Guatemala). Both at the exit to go to practice and on the way back, they go through hands that touch and hug them and ask them for a selfie. They also have a bench while they train, although the place is somewhat far from the city center. Like that of Eugenia, who approached with her sons Faust and Augustus and with their parents. Flagged, they did not stop singing "come on, let's go the kids".
"We're from around here. We have tickets and we're going to go to the games. We came to know Mascherano exclusively. We hope it will be a nice World Cup and that the history of December can be repeated," he said while waving the Argentine flag as a family.
The fans of the National Team in Santiago del Estero. (Juano Tesone)
Daniel was nearby, wearing a Boca shirt, who said he was very excited to "see this team on the field" and invited all those who arrive in Santiago del Estero for the World Cup to "not miss trying the milanesa and the catfish empanadas", two typical dishes of the area.
The kids absorb that affection and mentalize themselves in transforming it into energy to use it inside the court at the time of action. "I don't know how I imagine the stadium, but I do know that it's going to be something beautiful and unique and that we will have to enjoy it," enthused Maestro Puch. And Gino Infantino added: "More than a rematch this is a new opportunity. We thought that after the South American everything was over, but we have the opportunity to play the World Cup in our country and with our people."
Before the premiere there will be an opening ceremony with a choreographic show. And the Anthem will be sung by Patricia Sosa.
The Under-20 World Cup is underway and Mascherano's kids ignite their illusion.
Special envoy to Santiago del Estero.
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