Sampaoli Says Argentina Won’t Lose 6-1 To Nigeria, Others In Russia

Jorge Sampaoli has boasted his Argentina side will not lose heavily at the World Cup after the South Americans were crushed 6-1 by Spain on Tuesday.

The game played at the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium was a tune-up for both countries for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.

Spain routed Sampaoli’s men, who played without Lionel Messi, courtesy of Isco’s hat-trick with Diego Costa, Thiago and Iago Aspas also finding the met.

“I take the blame for the goals, don’t point to the players,” he accepted in front of the media after the game,” the coach said.

“The difference [between the sides] in the game wasn’t as large as the result.

“We have to learn from this. It cannot happen in the World Cup.”

Sampaoli also said, “Messi trained with us, but then he felt tired and couldn’t play.”

“He was with the group all the time because he is very involved for the World Cup.

“He has kept close proximity to the national team, helping the new guys out.”