ARGENTINA
De Paul and Paredes keep pre-match superstition after World Cup success with Argentina
Since they ended up winning the World Cup in Qatar, they have decided not to change their pre-match routine with Argentina.
A lot of things have to fall into place to win a World Cup. And in the case of football players, it is not difficult to find superstitions, something Argentina and Atlético Madrid midfielder Rodrigo de Paul knows all about. De Paul has become, along with his team-mate Leandro Paredes, the lucky charm for La Albiceleste.
The two began a curious superstition at the World Cup in Qatar, which has been extended over time and which they believe contributed to winning the World Cup in December. Since they ended up winning the tournament in Qatar, the pair have decided not to change their pre-match routine, not even in friendlies, as seen recently against Panama and Curaçao.
Argentina beat Curaçao
In the match against Curaçao played in the province of Santiago del Estero, the two players returned to the pitch before the game to complete their pre-match ritual. At the sold-out Estadio Madre de Ciudades, De Paul and Paredes took to the pitch with the plan that has seen them win every game since they first put it into action in Qatar.
The superstition involves going out onto the pitch before the rest of their Argentina team-mates to eat sweets. Since they started the tradition, Argentina haven’t lost a game and it has become unavoidable in the build-up to games with their country - the champions of the world. Lionel Scaloni’s side ran out 7-0 winners against Curaçao, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick and his 100th goal for his country.
With supporters already in the stands ahead of the friendly match against Curaçao, De Paul and Paredes joined the Argentina fans in singing two of the World Cup classics “Muchachos” and “Dale campeón!”.