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I’m not afraid of Messi: Robben

Sports Desk |
Update: 2014-07-08 23:55:00
I’m not afraid of Messi: Robben

DHAKA: Netherlands ace Arjen Robben has dismissed the notion that Argentina are a one-man team, claiming that there is more to Alejandro Sabella's side than Lionel Messi.

The Bayern Munich winger holds the Albiceleste attacker in the highest esteem but he does not feel that Oranje's World Cup semi-final opponents rely too heavily upon the four-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"Argentina have a huge player in him, true, but that does not mean that everything revolves only around Lionel Messi," Robben told reporters ahead of Tuesday's last-four showdown in Sao Paulo.

Meanwhile, Netherlands centre-back Stefan de Vrij insisted that he is not in the least bit perturbed by the prospect of dealing with Messi, reports goal.com.

"I'm not afraid of anyone," the defender told Algemeen Dagbald. "Not even Messi.

"I am especially focused on him, but I’m not afraid of him. In fact, I am very happy to play against him.”

Netherlands are bidding to reach their second successive World Cup final, having been beaten 1-0 by Spain in the tournament decider in South Africa four years ago.

BDST: 0950 HRS, JUL 09 , 2014

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