the sports section

Argentina Midfielder: ‘I Tore My Anus’

16 Jun 2014, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil --- Javier Mascherano of Argentina --- Image by ? Matthew Ashton/AMA/Matthew Ashton/AMA/AMA/Corbis
42-59546848 Photo: Matthew Ashton/AMA/Corbis

After a first half blow to the head that had him stumbling around the pitch, Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano should have probably left yesterday’s World Cup semifinal. But Mascherano stayed in, going on to make a fantastic tackle in extra time that saved the game but cost him something very dear and personal. In explaining his pained reaction after stretching out to stop Arjen Robben’s shot he said, “I tore my anus. That’s why I was in so much pain.” Here’s the play in question if you want to grimace.

Argentina Midfielder: ‘I Tore My Anus’