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In the opening Group J match of the FIFA World Cup, Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick. Riyad Mahrez gave an interview after the fixture.
Comments on the match
“This game was always going to be difficult, since our opponents are the defending world champions. We knew clearly that even if we kept our defence solid for long periods, they only needed one chance to create threats and score goals — and they pulled it off. They have Lionel Messi. That is exactly the gap between us.”
Analysis of the 0-3 scoreline
"It is a little hard to analyse calmly right after the game, but to put it plainly, the winning margin comes from them having a player who never lets chances slip. He turns almost every opportunity into a goal; he is possibly the greatest player in history with terrifying finishing ability. We knew this before kick-off and tried every way to contain him, yet we failed. He was outstanding today.
We fought with everything we had, and I think our defensive positioning was decent, but unfortunately we conceded three goals. I feel the scoreline is a bit cruel, and we also lacked sharpness in attack."
Do you think the squad can bounce back from this defeat?
“Without a doubt. This is just the start of the tournament, and we knew that from the beginning. As I have said previously, the World Cup is not judged by just the opening game. We still have two group matches left, with six points to fight for. Our morale has definitely taken a hit tonight — no one likes losing, especially 0-3 — but we will bounce back for sure.”
What would you like to say to Algeria fans?
“Please keep trusting us. Argentina were undoubtedly stronger today, but we will not be crushed by this scoreline or this defeat. We are a resilient team, and we will get back on our feet.”
