Cristian Romero hung for Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez after the Tottenham star said he ‘could have done better’ for Saudi Arabia’s goal against Argentina

Tottenham star Cristian Romero has been told ‘he could do better’ after Argentina conceded two early goals in their 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

The Albiceleste were leading 1-0 in their first World Cup game after Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty, but soon they were on the back foot – and Romero was coached by Lisandro Martinez as a result.

Saleh Alsheri rounded the Spurs defender in the box, before firing into the bottom corner to level his side.

Just five minutes later, Salem Aldawsari struck a fine strike from outside the box, cutting inside to send the ball into the top corner – brushing the fingertips of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Immediately after that, manager Lionel Scaloni made two changes, including Romero leaving for Manchester United’s Martinez.

“Well maybe it was a nod to Romero’s footwork when he came up against Aldawsari,” former Republic of Ireland striker David Connoll said when commenting on the match for talkSPORT2.

“He didn’t move his feet fast enough, I don’t think, he could have done a bit better with the goal.

“It just means maybe [Nicolas] Otamendi was moved to this right side and Martinez is now playing as a left centre-back.

Romero had been injured before the tournament, struggling with a hamstring problem he suffered in late October.

Substitute Martinez was denied a goal from close range in the 62nd minute as Saudi Arabia fended off pressure from one of the tournament favourites.

Argentina had not lost a World Cup match after taking the lead since losing 3-1 to West Germany in 1958.

Now they have everything to do to get out of the group stage of the tournament in Qatar with a delicate match against Mexico on November 26.