Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals thanks to his replacement at left back, Javier Zanetti. Rojo was nominated to Argentina's team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in June 2014. He played all four matches and scored one goal against Nigeria.
Zanetti had been preparing Rojo for a starting role since before he joined Argentina. When Juan Ramón Fernández Carles was appointed coach after the 2006 World Cup, he named Zanetti as his first choice defender. The veteran Italian defender helped Rojo become a regular starter for Boca Juniors during their 2011–12 season.
During Argentina's training camp prior to the World Cup, Zanetti told reporters that Rojo was ready to start for Argentina in Brazil. "He's 100 percent fit and he'll play," said Zanetti. "He trained well this week."
Although he only has three years of professional experience, many consider Rojo to be one of the best defenders in world football. He is known for his aggressive style of play, energy on the pitch, and ability to win headers.
After making his international debut in August 2009, Javier Zanetti took over as captain from retired Sergio Agüero.
Watch highlights from the final round of group matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Mexico booked a last-16 tie against the Netherlands after knocking Croatia out of the 2014 Fifa World Cup. The Croats, who knew a win would put them through, survived a scare when a Hector Herrera strike hit the crossbar.
Due to a shoulder injury, Rojas has been called up for the next South American World Cup Qualifiers and is in contention for a starting spot with Carlos Tenorio. Reinaldo Rueda chose Rojas for the 2014 World Cup. In Ecuador's opening encounter against Switzerland, he came on in the 77th minute.
Joao Robin Rojas Mendoza (born June 14, 1989) is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for the Brazilian club Sao Paulo. He is also a Mexican citizen. He has already played more than 80 professional games at such a young age.
Argentina National Football Team/Captains: Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona?
Lionel Messi has been appointed as the new captain of Argentina after retiring from international football. The 31-year-old took over the armband from his countryman and friend Diego Maradona who had led the side for 10 years.
Messi has won almost every award there is to win in world football, including two FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He has also been named player of the year by UEFA three times. As a captain, he will lead Argentina in their upcoming matches against Uruguay on November 11 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires and against Colombia in Santa Fe on February 3.
Messi announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's quarter-final exit from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. However, he could be called upon again if some of his team-mates drop out due to injury or form.
Diego Maradona was born on August 4, 1960 in El Calafate, Santa Cruz.
Messi may have one more chance to win the World Cup at the age of 31. There will always be debate over a World Cup team, and Argentina's is no exception. Key players who appeared to be in line for a position on Argentina's roster, such as Alejandro "Papu" Gomez (Atalanta) and Fernado Gago, were omitted. However, there are several reasons why they weren't included.
Argentina's coach, Jorge Sampaoli, has chosen a strong squad, but it is still unclear how many players he will use during the tournament. If Messi or Aguero are not able to play, Sampaoli will need to find replacements. Although there are some talented players in the squad, none of them are world-class performers yet.
In addition, there are some issues with Argentina's federation that make it difficult for them to bring in new players. The most significant problem is the cost of playing abroad. To retain their current squad, Argentina will have to pay its players a large sum of money. With no collateral to guarantee the payment of these loans, the players risk being forced off the market forever.
Finally, there is the issue of security. Since 1992, when two bombs destroyed part of the stadium where Argentina played Germany, every time the team plays at home it is required to provide its own security. This is not only expensive but also puts additional pressure on the players' shoulders.