Franco Armani and Jorge Broun had a hand-to-hand duel before going out on the court. In truth, it was the previous dialectic of the final of the Champions Trophythe definition of the last game of the year that is awaited with great expectation here in Santiago del Estero, where, curiously, it is not so hot for this time of year.
The River and Rosario Central archers, the two 2023 champions of the Professional League tournaments, held a press conference at the Madre de Ciudades, where this Friday night they will put on their gloves and put on their divers. The match was enjoyable and there was a very good vibe between both goalkeepers, who ended up hugging and posing with the trophy up for grabs in front of them.
And in the middle of the conference, the penalties were scoredthose blessed or damned penalties that can define the title if they end tied in the 90 or 120 minutes (if equality persists in regular time, there will be extension) that the match lasts. “I stay away from criticism. I know they exist and will exist. As long as they are constructive I will take them in a good way. I’m not aware, I don’t start reading or listening I didn’t do well in the penalties at River, it is reality, but the important thing is to be mentally well, to focus on kicking to that side and to be right in the head. Not being focused, firm, lucid and what happened the other day could happen even if you practice. “The idea of all games is to win in 90 minutes.”Armani said. And he added: “Afterwards, penalties are a lottery and luck has a lot of influence.”
For his part, Broun sided with his colleague and stated: “There was criticism of him, of Arias. It is unfair and it is easy to criticize from the outside, from an armchair or a platform. The position is thankless. You get used to it… I’ve been a goalkeeper since I was four years old.”. And regarding how a possible penalty shootout works, he commented: “We try to see the kickers, but the decision is in the moment.”
The last time River and Central faced each other was less than two weeks ago, in Córdoba, for the League Cup. And it ended in penalties. Central won. Fatura saved three and Lanzini threw his away. River did not convert. Armani saved one: Campaz. Both goalkeepers were protagonists. And maybe they will be again. Perhaps this meeting to talk to the press is a prediction of what may happen this Friday in Santiago del Estero.