The Argentina coach believes his side may benefit from a number of injuries and suspensions in the opposition camp
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino believes the absence of some key Colombia players could give his side an advantage in their Copa America quarter-final.
“In that match we saw a couple of incidents and a number of refereeing errors," said Martino. "It is very important to review what happened to Cavani.
Martino’s outfit face Jose Pékerman’s side in Vina del Mar in the last eight knowing they will not come up against Carlos Bacca, Carlos Sanchez and Edwin Valencia due to injury and suspension.
But while Pekerman claimed on Thursday that his squad can absorb those losses, Martino says the loss of midfield duo Sánchez and Valencia could be pivotal.
“The absences of the two midfielders are especially important for Colombia,” the 52-year-old told a pre-match press conference.
“I don’t know if they have players to replace them in the same way. It is clear that one of the two to come in will be Alexander Mejia, but even with differences in personnel their pattern will be more or less familiar.
“But we don’t need to worry about the opponents. We do worry about the referees. The best referees are here at the Copa América but we need them to act in such a way.”
Martino’s comment on referees come after the fiery first quarter-final between Chile and Uruguay which saw the high-profile sending-off of Edinson Cavani after a clash with Gonzalo Jara.
“In that match we saw a couple of incidents and a number of refereeing errors," said Martino. "It is very important to review what happened to Cavani.
"You often try to take advantage of situations, but only within certain limits. What happened on Wednesday should not have happened.
“It was also a game full of simulation and hard fouls. What happened was very regrettable.”
The third quarter-final between Argentina and Colombia kicks off at the Estadio Sausalito at 20:30 local time on Friday.
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