Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero stepped in the shoes of Sergio Romero to make his World Cup debut after the Argentina first choice picked up an injury only a few days prior to the tournament’s start.
Caballero however, made a grave mistake that began Argentina’s thrashing at the hands of Croatia in their second game. He failed in finding his teammate in an attempted pass that fell in the way of Ante Rebic, who scored Croatia’s first of three in the game.
He posts a picture on Instagram, after Argentina’s progress to the last 16, and explains that he and his family received threats and insults following that mistake, while also praising his teammates for their efforts in progressing to the last 16.
A transcript of his caption on Instagram reads:
“And more calm … After the positive result and the qualification, mine becomes an anecdote, a misfortune, a mistake, a mistake, whatever you want to call it, there are a lot of things that I accept, because it was a football mistake. But I received a lot of disrespect, bad wishes and threats towards me and my family, those ugly attitudes did not help me.
I stay with the many people who support me, accompanied me and suffered my situation. I thank all those who were there; the near and the distant; those who dared to write to me and all those who supported me in one way or another. Once again I accept my mistake, but I never had the desire that my family spend such unpleasant days.
“I see the shirt of Argentina with the values that I learned in my home and growing in football. Thanks to those who are always with me and my family.”
Willy Caballero, Tribal Football
Caballero is a back up behind Thibaut Courtois and was often used in cup games last season, but his performance at the World Cup may have reduced his credibility and may be sold by the Blues this summer.
