If there was a situation that was unknown in the run-up to the match between Argentina and Guatemala in the Under-20 World Cup, it was how coach Javier Mascherano was going to react to the presence of his Guatemalan colleague Rafael Loredo. It is that in the previous, the Central American accused the national team of 'espionage' and indicated that he had requested an investigation from FIFA. But far from getting angry, the former captain of the Albiceleste gave him an affectionate greeting and even apologized for the discomfort.
While the players were ordered on the field to start the game, the Jefecito approached the middle of the field of the Madre de Ciudades stadium and hugged the visiting coach, showing no grudge for the controversy that involved them 24 hours earlier.
"Excuse me" was the first word that can be deciphered on Mascherano's lips speaking in his ear, while both were embraced, when the television broadcast showed the expected moment of both coaches.
Added to this, within the brief talk that was given between them, you can also identify the phrase "it was my fault" and "it was unintentional", expressed by the Little Chief.
"Someone got into the locker room and recorded our tactics."
This Monday Guatemala arrived at the Iosep property, about eight kilometers from the center of Santiago del Estero to begin its last training before Tuesday's crossing against Argentina. But before starting to move, coach Rafael Loredo launched an accusation of espionage against the coaching staff of the Under-20 team of Javier Mascherano: "Someone got into the locker room and recorded our tactics," he denounced.
Loredo told in detail what happened. According to his version, a person who would be part of the staff of the host team, whom they will face in the second game of group A, entered the Guatemalan dressing room on Saturday to take pictures of their notebooks and forms.
"There were very painful things that should not happen. We went out into the field when these things happened. Someone, who does not reflect what the Argentine people are, worried about getting into the dressing room to record when there were fewer people. He recorded all the sheets that we have of the technical talk, for defensive, offensive stop. He recorded everything. FIFA is very concerned about Fair Play because this is not fair play," he said at the press conference prior to the match.
And he elaborated without giving names: "FIFA is going to take care of this. There are photos and he is an accredited person. We have it fully identified." The leadership of the Central American team raised its complaint to the highest soccer body.
Loredo denounced that someone from Argentina got into the locker room of Guatemala to steal the tactic. Photo: Juano Tesone, special envoy Loredo denounced that someone from Argentina got into the locker room of Guatemala to steal the tactic. Photo: Juano Tesone, Special Envoy When it happened The incident would have happened after the match in which New Zealand won 1-0 against Guatemala. The squad led by Loredo left its dressing room to witness the opening party of the World Cup, which took place on the field of play of the Único Madre de Ciudades stadium before the premiere of Argentina against Uzbekistan.
Javier Mascherano apologized to the Guatemala coach.Photo Juano Tesone / special envoy
At that moment it is that, according to Loredo, someone linked to the Argentine delegation took advantage and got in to take pictures of the tactical notes.
The response of the AFA In the albiceleste bunker they have already contacted FIFA on this issue. They acknowledge that a person did enter the Guatemalan locker room, but that it was a "mistake" and that no images were taken.
It remains to be seen what decision FIFA makes on this matter that shook the quiet morning here in Santiago del Estero. Meanwhile, in the national working group they have been preparing this commitment, like the others, for some time with a detailed evaluation of the rival. In fact, as Clarín learned, Masche and company analyzed Guatemala's last six complete matches.
The Argentine squad will train on Monday afternoon and there will be defined the formation for this second duel in which it will look for a triumph to ensure the passage to the second round.
Santiago del Estero. Special envoy.
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