Mascherano Interview

Javier Mascherano spoke to ESPN about the game tonight.

Q - How do you anticipate a game against such an important opponent such as Brasil?

M - We've already faced them in the previous WC Qualifiers and we know it is difficult but it is a great motivation to play in such an important game and every player wants to play in this game.

Q - It's been 4 years since you made your debut against Brasil in a WC Qualifying game, at the time you had only played in a few games with River Plate, what did you think it would be like to play against, say, Ronaldo, who you had seen alot on TV?

M - Well, when you play against such important players and for the first time, those are things that make you grow. Now at this moment I'm a little more used to such duels, to playing against important players but it hasn't changed my way of thinking from 4 years ago, now of course I have more experience, but with the same eagerness to play.

Q - What are the things that motivate you to come to the national team after playing in the Premier League and everything you experienced in the last 6 months, besides the Argentina shirt, but rather the possibility of being once again a part of the national team?

M - For everybody it is important, I think, in a players career to play for your country, for your national team it is the most important thing you have and of course, it is a priority. I think that the day when you no longer want to do that, it is not an obligation. You say it and give the opportunity to another player but as long as you are eager to do it, it is a beautiful thing. In such a short career you have to take advantage of every moment.

Q - You have now surpassed 20 games with the national team, Do you feel you are an unquestionable model of this new group even though there are very important players like you on this team?

M - No. More than anything we follow the path set by the more experienced players. At no moment did I feel or feel now that I'm an unquestionable model but yes I do feel important because my teammates make me feel that way, like everyone that is here feels important. But the place of unquestionable model belongs to other people that handle that role very well.

Q - What do you feel about the opportunity to play in a game like this, for example in the way that these WC Qualifying games are played, playing well with your club team and then returning to the national team?

M - It is always like that. You get used to it. In this case it is a little strange because the Premier League season is over but I'm continuing to play but otherwise you continue to play in the Premier League, you go back and forth with the national team and everyone returns to their club team. The truth is that things don't really change that much. I'll say it again. One is here with the national team because you want to and are eager to be here and everyone that is here is proud and feels a great joy.