Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella has said he is unclear whether Angel di Maria will be fit in time to take his place in the starting 11 for tonight’s World Cup final.
The South American nation come up against Germany at the iconic Maracana stadium in Brazil and are bidding to win their third World Cup trophy. They face a tough task though, with the Germans in formidable form having seen off the hosts 7-1 in brutal fashion in the semi-final.
Sergio Aguero has made a recovery from injury and could be in contention to start, but di Maria is another dangerous weapon that Argentina could do with to test the German defence. The 26-year-old winger scored a sensational goal against Switzerland deep into stoppage time in the second-round but then limped off injured in the win over Belgium.
Asked about the Real Madrid man’s fitness ahead of the final, Sabella told reporters he was in the dark still.
“We will see how Di Maria is. We will see how he has evolved. After practice we will evaluate him. Then I will have a better picture,” he stated.
He then went on to urge his players, whoever starts, to give their all to lift the trophy.
“To be champions is very important for the country and for the players, who have struggled for a long time to get here,” he said.
And he continued: “It is a game for which we don’t need motivation. To reach the final, and in Brazil, is a fact that we are even more proud of. Let’s give everything for Argentina to be champions again.”
