Romero labels Neville 'stupid' over criticism

Argentina defender Cristian Romero labelled Gary Neville “stupid” for criticising his central‑defensive partnership with Lisandro Martínez. In the build‑up to Argentina’s dramatic 2‑1 World Cup semi‑final win against England, the former Manchester United full‑back Neville described Romero and Martínez as “the best, worst centre‑half pairing successful the world”. Both players were booked in Wednesday’s feisty last‑four match in Atlanta, yet they also played an important role in limiting England to just two shots on target as defending champions Argentina came from behind to win with late goals. Romero and Martínez, who are both 28, have started every but one of Argentina’s World Cup games this summer, helping Lionel Scaloni’s side reach their second successive World Cup final. “The lone happening that I anticipation for is that erstwhile I retire, I americium not that stupid. Hopefully I won't criticise a subordinate oregon anyone,” Tottenham defender Romero told DSports when he was asked about Neville’s punditry comments. “Because astatine the extremity of the day, we are doing our champion for our nationalist team. Sometimes it goes close for us, sometimes badly, but we are conscionable blessed to beryllium successful a World Cup last again. I deliberation we are making history, for america it is thing truly huge, and we consciousness the value of this garment similar no-one else.” Manchester United defender Martínez added, “We're utilized to radical ever talking astir us. It seems similar they similar doing it, and we respond connected the pitch, that's it, ever with respect.”