Fazio: Argentina Showing A Different Attitude
Argentina defender Federico Fazio says an improved attitude from the team and Lionel Messi lead to victory over Nigeria
Argentina defender Federico Fazio believes Lionel Messi and his team showed a different attitude in their win over Nigeria.
Messi opened the scoring and Marcos Rojo struck a late winner in a 2-1 victory for Jorge Sampaoli's side, who snuck into the last 16 at the World Cup.
Fazio said it was a change in mindset that was crucial for Argentina, who face France in the last 16 Saturday.
"I think we showed a different attitude towards the last game, not just from him [Messi] but from all the team, all the players," he told a news conference.
"I think we played well against Croatia [in a 3-0 loss] after all, but in this third game, I think their first goal did hurt us, but we all knew from the beginning all that was at stake and what would have happened if we lost.
"We saw a committed team, fighting together with a different attitude, and that was something which helped Leo too."
After struggling through the group stage, Argentina will go into their meeting with France in Kazan as outsiders.