Nicolas Otamendi explains why Argentina celebrated in the faces of Dutch players

Argentina centre-back Nicolas Otamendi has defended his side’s celebrations after Friday night’s fiery and eventful shootout win over the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-final.

The South American champions appeared to be cruising into the semi-final of the competition after a first-half strike from Nahuel Molina and second-half penalty from Lionel Messi had put them two goals up.

But Louis van Gaal changed his side’s tactics as time ticked away, throwing on Wout Weghorst and laying siege to Argentina’s goal with a bombardment of long balls.

The towering Dutch frontman pulled a goal back with a brilliant header and then an inventive set-piece in the 11th minute of stoppage time saw Holland force extra-time.

Argentina came closest to finding a breakthrough, hitting the post late on, but the tie went to penalties and after two saves from Emiliano Martinez it was namesake Lautaro who had the chance to seal the win, firing into the back of the net to spark wild scenes.

Led by Otamendi, Argentina’s players were seen taunting and mocking their opponents with the veteran Benfica centre-back cupping his hands behind his ears and celebrating right in the faces of the devasted Dutch players.

Argentina’s reaction was criticised afterwards, but the 34-year-old has defended his and his team-mates’ actions and say it was in response to the way the Netherlands had behaved during the shootout.

He explained: ‘I celebrated in their faces because there was a player from the Netherlands who, in every penalty we had, came and said things to one of our players.

‘The photo was taken out of context and we did it in response to that.’

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