Argentina defender Javier Mascherano suffered one of the rarest injuries when the player revealed that he tore his anus while tackling Netherlands winger Arjen Robben.
The Albiceleste could have conceded a goal had the Barcelona defender not stopped Robben when he went down tackling the Bayern Munich winger which ultimately led to the injury.
Javier Mascherano’s comments
"I spread out my anus in that last tackle, that's why I felt so much pain," said Mascherano.
"I tore the anus.... I don't want to sound crude... Robben game me an opportunity when he took a touch; he lost a second and I won. What I did anyone could have done. To be in the final you need a bit of luck," added Mascherano.
Inspirational performance
The 30-year-old didn’t have an easy time in the field as he had also clashed heads with Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and collapsed on the field only to regain his senses and continue plying after.
In spite of that, the Argentine midfielder not only managed to put on a good show but also inspired Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero to make two exceptional saves as the two times World Cup champions defeated Netherlands to set up a final clash with Germany this Sunday.