Romero Calls Neville 'Fool' Over Defense Criticism

Atlanta. Argentina defender Cristian Romero has called former footballer Gary Neville a 'fool' for criticizing his defense partnership with Lisandro Martinez. 

Before the exciting semi-final match against England, former Manchester United full-back Neville had commented on the Romero and Martinez pair as 'the best but worst center-half pair in the world'.

In the tense semi-final match in Atlanta on Wednesday, defending champions Argentina defeated England 2-1, with both defenders receiving yellow cards. However, they played an important role in limiting England to only two 'shots on target' and scoring a late goal to give the team victory. 

28-year-old Romero and Martinez have played as starting players in all but one match for Argentina in this World Cup and have contributed to Lionel Scaloni's team reaching the World Cup final for the second consecutive time.

When asked about Neville's comment, Tottenham defender Romero expressed his dissatisfaction to DUSPOTS. 'The only thing I hope is that when I retire from football, I won't be so foolish,' he said, 'I won't criticize anyone or any player like that.' 

He stated that they are performing excellently for the national team. 'Sometimes our performance is good and sometimes bad, but we are happy to reach the World Cup final once again,' he added, 'We are making history, this is a very big thing for us and no one can feel the importance of this jersey more than us.'

Manchester United defender Martinez also shared his views on such criticism. 'We are used to people always talking about us,' he said, 'They seem to like doing so, and we always respond on the field with respect, that's all.' 

In the 6 games these two defenders have played together, Argentina has conceded goals in two games and conceded 6 goals in the remaining games.

Neville, who won 85 caps for England and currently works as a pundit on ITV and Sky Sports, made the comments on 'The Overlap Podcast'. 'It seems like they give away goals to the opponent in every game,' Neville had said, 'But when you look at them, they are scoring goals themselves, heading, and appearing everywhere on the field, it's unbelievable.'

He clarified that he called them the best but worst pair because sometimes their game is unbelievably good and the next moment it looks ridiculous.

Argentina will face Spain in the final with the aim of winning the World Cup title for the fourth time, while England will compete with France for third place.