Javier Mascherano has insisted that Argentina are ready to meet expectations by reaching the World Cup final inside the Maracana on Sunday night.

Ahead of their first semi-final appearance for 24 years against the Netherlands on Wednesday, Mascherano has urged the squad to handle the pressure which comes with playing in such a big game.

"Of course it is fantastic to have got to the semi-finals but now we want to be in the Maracana on July 13," the 30-year-old told reporters. "The expectations are growing and we have got to try and match them.

"The squad is very happy and we go into such a massive game with real enthusiasm.. We know we will have a great chance on Wednesday.

"For a football fan like me, 24 years is a very long time. The expectations grow but fate has put us where we are now. We need to keep up."

Argentina have not enjoyed success at the World Cup since 1986.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill