River was eliminated from the Club World Cup after a 2-0 loss to Inter Milan in Seattle, in a key match for qualification to the round of 16. Marcelo Gallardo's team had reached the decisive match after defeating Urawa Red Diamonds and drawing against Monterrey, and in order to advance without depending on others, needed to win or draw 2-2, which did not happen.
Once the match ended, the Millonario coach gave his analysis: "The first half, despite the absence of important players for us, we had a clear intention to go for it, to press, against a team that plays well, they're physically and technically strong".
Martínez Quarta fue expulsado por una falta de último recurso
"We played the match we believed we had to play. Unfortunately, the sending off didn't let us reach the end with any chance, despite the effort in the first half", he added. He especially regretted it for the fans: "We couldn't give them the chance to continue".
Gallardo also acknowledged the team's shortcomings: "Part of the work was good", but he emphasized that there was a lack of "good decision-making" and "having more freshness" to create real danger. "We tried to do the work, unfortunately we couldn't do it", he concluded.
Later, in a press conference, the coach spoke again, this time about the final disturbances between Acuña and Dumfries: "I understand the players' emotions, but the ending is not the image we want to give. A brawl between two players causes everyone to get involved", he stated. "It's not River's style for things to end that way", he added.
Acuña tuvo un encontronazo con Dumfries
He also made a direct criticism of the tournament organization, for showing images of the match between Rayados and Urawa while River–Inter was being played: "I found it unbelievable. It's not understanding the feeling and the essence of the game, what it means to play such an important match and to be shown images of another match. The match has to be played there and that's it. That has an impact. FIFA should be more sensitive in these kinds of matters".
Armani also gave his analysis
Franco Armani, one of the team's key players, also gave his analysis after the elimination. "We're sad not to qualify. We played a great match until the sending off", said the goalkeeper, who also recalled with frustration the draw with Monterrey: "We had the chances, but we didn't convert them. We knew Inter was tough, but we had faith".
With his sights already set on the future, he closed with a message of encouragement: "We have to keep our heads up. This group gave everything and there are good things ahead".
