Internationals

Spain's David Villa Critical Of Argentina's Physical Approach During Friendly Win

The prolific hitman felt that the South Americans' did not buy into the concept of 'friendly'...

Nov 15, 2009 3:08:07 PM

David Villa, Gabriel Heinze, Spain, Argentina (Getty Images)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

David Villa, Gabriel Heinze, Spain, Argentina (Getty Images)

Teams

Players

David Villa

Spain striker David Villa has questioned the aggressive nature of Argentina’s performance during La Furia Roja’s closely contested 2-1 win at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday evening.

In a match that was friendly in name only, a late Xabi Alonso penalty in the final moments proved decisive, after Lionel Messi had earlier drawn the Albicelestes level, again from the penalty spot.

However, it was the physical nature of Argentina’s play that surprised the Valencia forward, and he commented to journalists, “It was a very rough game, and in an official match they [Argentina] would have suffered the expulsion of a player.

“But the referee is the one who lets these things go or not. I think in a competitive game it would have been different.”

Villa however recognised that the match allowed his side to be wary of the level of desire that will be required if the European Champions are to go all the way to the final in South Africa next summer.

He added, “The World Cup is near but we are aware of what is at stake. We want to be there, but we will have to fight before we can get there.”

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com