Rio de Janeiro: Javier Mascherano, who played a key role in Argentina's semi-final win over the Netherlands on Wednesday, said he endured immense pain in his attempt to prevent Arjen Robben from scoring in the closing stages of the game.


Javier Mascherano 

Describing the perfectly-timed tackle on the Dutchman, Mascherano said: "I thought I had slipped, I thought I wouldn't make it, but I tore my anus on that move, the pain...it was terrible.