Yeah South America all in to Semifinal become Copa Cup.
Copa Cup standard are = to World cup.
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Confident Maradona looks to Germany
- Thread starter tioliaohuat
- Start date
Yeah South America all in to Semifinal become Copa Cup.
Copa Cup standard are = to World cup.
Mind game reaching new levels with both sides having competition to say how lousy England is.
Bitter rivals unite to rubbish England
A war of words has been raging between the Germany and Argentina camps ahead of Saturday's showdown, with the South Americans' onfield conduct coming under fire from the Europeans. Argentina coach Diego Maradona has hit back in typical fashion by goading Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who had claimed Argentina show a lack of respect with their behaviour during matches.
England's inferiority seems to be the only common ground between the two sides as Argentina defender Martin Demichelis said he will not be allowed home if he plays like John Terry did in England's 4-1 loss to Germany, while former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff admitted Argentina lack the "obvious weaknesses" evident in England's team.
Bierhoff said: "It is not going to be easy on Saturday because Argentina are a stronger side than England. There were some obvious English weaknesses that had all been there in the group stages. Argentina are much more powerful and stronger. They have very few weaknesses - although there must be some.''
Despite high-profile mistakes for Bayern Munich in the Champions League final against Inter Milan and the World Cup group match with South Korea, Demichelis insists he is not performing that badly - at least not as badly as Terry, for instance.
"Seeing the way Terry played against Germany, if I was Terry I wouldn't be able to go back to my country,'' said Demichelis.
Germany skipper Phillip Lahm also pumped up Argentina at England's expense: "Now we are up against our own 'big five'. We have to show we can finally beat a big team - someone like Argentina, Brazil or Spain. Definitely, these are bigger opponents than England.''
England-bashing aside, the two sides still refuse to see eye to eye over the differences of opinion that have dominated the build up to the 2006 quarter-final rematch.
Demichelis said: "I have been in Germany for seven years. They know me and they know I won't change. But it does seem Germany don't have a lot of respect for us. I am not paying much attention to it, but maybe they should show us some respect.''
German general manager Bierhoff and skipper Lahm saw no need to apologise, backing up Schweinsteiger's assertion.
Bierhoff said: "I played with a lot of people from Argentina. They are hospitable, friendly people. But that is not necessarily the case on a football pitch, where they can be a passionate, aggressive, provocative side. I didn't think four years ago was particularly physical or nasty, but it is always tragic to lose on penalties like that. What we have to do on Saturday is keep a level head and make sure our nerves are in check.''
Lahm said: "We want to focus on the 90 minutes play. We know South Americans are a temperamental lot. On Saturday we will see how they deal with another defeat.
Bitter rivals unite to rubbish England
A war of words has been raging between the Germany and Argentina camps ahead of Saturday's showdown, with the South Americans' onfield conduct coming under fire from the Europeans. Argentina coach Diego Maradona has hit back in typical fashion by goading Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who had claimed Argentina show a lack of respect with their behaviour during matches.
England's inferiority seems to be the only common ground between the two sides as Argentina defender Martin Demichelis said he will not be allowed home if he plays like John Terry did in England's 4-1 loss to Germany, while former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff admitted Argentina lack the "obvious weaknesses" evident in England's team.
Bierhoff said: "It is not going to be easy on Saturday because Argentina are a stronger side than England. There were some obvious English weaknesses that had all been there in the group stages. Argentina are much more powerful and stronger. They have very few weaknesses - although there must be some.''
Despite high-profile mistakes for Bayern Munich in the Champions League final against Inter Milan and the World Cup group match with South Korea, Demichelis insists he is not performing that badly - at least not as badly as Terry, for instance.
"Seeing the way Terry played against Germany, if I was Terry I wouldn't be able to go back to my country,'' said Demichelis.
Germany skipper Phillip Lahm also pumped up Argentina at England's expense: "Now we are up against our own 'big five'. We have to show we can finally beat a big team - someone like Argentina, Brazil or Spain. Definitely, these are bigger opponents than England.''
England-bashing aside, the two sides still refuse to see eye to eye over the differences of opinion that have dominated the build up to the 2006 quarter-final rematch.
Demichelis said: "I have been in Germany for seven years. They know me and they know I won't change. But it does seem Germany don't have a lot of respect for us. I am not paying much attention to it, but maybe they should show us some respect.''
German general manager Bierhoff and skipper Lahm saw no need to apologise, backing up Schweinsteiger's assertion.
Bierhoff said: "I played with a lot of people from Argentina. They are hospitable, friendly people. But that is not necessarily the case on a football pitch, where they can be a passionate, aggressive, provocative side. I didn't think four years ago was particularly physical or nasty, but it is always tragic to lose on penalties like that. What we have to do on Saturday is keep a level head and make sure our nerves are in check.''
Lahm said: "We want to focus on the 90 minutes play. We know South Americans are a temperamental lot. On Saturday we will see how they deal with another defeat.
World Cup semi-finals (last four) had become Euro Cup before:
1934 : Italy, Czechoslavakia, Germany, Austria
1966 : England, West Germany, Portugal, Soviet Union
1982 : Italy, West Germany, Poland, France
2006 : Italy, France, Germany, Portugal
It's about time for the World Cup to turn Copa America.
More mind games ... Better lower expecations first.
Otherwise match will be a disappointment after such exciting foreplay.
Maradona: We don't need Hand of God
Diego Maradona says Argentina "will not need the Hand of God, because it is the will of God" that they will win the World Cup, and told Bastian Schweinsteiger that criticism of his team will backfire on Germany when the two countries meet in Saturday's quarter-final.
A figure of fun prior to the start of the tournament, Maradona has instead made a mockery of concerns over his coaching style by leading Argentina to four successive wins, scoring ten goals in the process, and setting up a quarter-final clash with Joachim Low's Germany.
Maradona is a figure synonymous with the World Cup having proved so inspirational when Argentina won the trophy in 1986 - with his handball helping defeat England in the quarter-finals - and he touched on his most infamous moment on Friday when discussing his hopes of lifting the trophy once again, this time as a coach.
"I spoke with a group of children yesterday and they said to me: 'Diego, we want to get to the final. Can you give us that?'" Maradona said. "So I told them to calm down. In the end, it is about whether God wants us to be in the final, but I know that is what God wants. This time we will not need the Hand of God, because it is the will of God.
"I have spoken to my father who is not in the best of health, but he said that if we reach the final then he will come here to see us win. He just said: 'Do what you did in 1986, son'."
Ahead of Saturday's quarter-final, Germany midfielder Schweinsteiger said Argentina were guilty of a "lack of respect" in the manner of their play and the way they interact with referees, while German captain Philipp Lahm claimed the South Americans were bad losers - with both men harking back to the meeting of the countries in the 2006 quarter-finals when Germany won on penalties and a scuffle broke out between both sets of players and coaches.
Maradona taunted Schweinsteiger on Thursday, asking the midfielder if he was "nervous", and has further warned that criticism of Argentina will only serve to minimise Germany's chances of reaching the semi-finals.
"We have no pressure on us, but we do have responsibilities to take the World Cup with us back to Argentina," Maradona said. "We are fully prepared and are motivated to win. We have to make Germany pay for what they have said about us in the last few days.
"We will not forget what Bastian Schweinsteiger said. He has not treated us well at all, saying we are a misfit team. We will show them our qualities by playing football, by doing what we can do with the ball. I will see to that."
Low has sought to limit the fall-out from Schweinsteiger's comments by complimenting both Argentina and their enigmatic coach, but the Germany boss has underlined his fears that Saturday's opponents are over-physical in their approach.
"We have great respect for the Argentinian team, but we know they play very physically," he said. "They push it to the limits. That's typical of South American teams. They're great people, but their play doesn't match the character of their nation. They're very aggressive on the pitch and that's what Bastian was saying. This will be a cut-throat fight again. It'll be aggressive, intense. Everyone will fight for every centimetre of ground.
"No other country can compete in terms of the number of talented forwards at their disposal. To think that Diego Milito, who had such a fantastic season in Europe with Internazionale, does not even make their starting line-up ... their firepower is remarkable, so it's not just Lionel Messi we have to worry about. In 2006 we compiled a list of their penalty takers for Jens Lehmann. This time we'd need a brochure given the forward players they have. We've been warned. We know their attacking power.
"But you'd expect that of a side coached by Maradona. I remember him illuminating the tournaments in 1986 and 1990. He galvanised the whole football world with his skills in those finals - he was simply magical. He left a mark on football like no other player has ever done and he virtually decided the 1986 World Cup by his hand alone. Germany and Argentina have a wonderful history of meetings; I hope this will be another."
Low singled out Messi as a likely threat to Germany and the reigning World Player of the Year will be fit to start Saturday's game, despite missing training on Friday afternoon due to a touch of 'flu.
"He told me about it and I sent him back inside," Maradona said. "It was very cold when we started training at 4.30pm. I gave him a bit of a rest. The session went well, but I never considered him not playing in this game. I just let him have a rest so he could play against Germany.''
Otherwise match will be a disappointment after such exciting foreplay.
Maradona: We don't need Hand of God
Diego Maradona says Argentina "will not need the Hand of God, because it is the will of God" that they will win the World Cup, and told Bastian Schweinsteiger that criticism of his team will backfire on Germany when the two countries meet in Saturday's quarter-final.
A figure of fun prior to the start of the tournament, Maradona has instead made a mockery of concerns over his coaching style by leading Argentina to four successive wins, scoring ten goals in the process, and setting up a quarter-final clash with Joachim Low's Germany.
Maradona is a figure synonymous with the World Cup having proved so inspirational when Argentina won the trophy in 1986 - with his handball helping defeat England in the quarter-finals - and he touched on his most infamous moment on Friday when discussing his hopes of lifting the trophy once again, this time as a coach.
"I spoke with a group of children yesterday and they said to me: 'Diego, we want to get to the final. Can you give us that?'" Maradona said. "So I told them to calm down. In the end, it is about whether God wants us to be in the final, but I know that is what God wants. This time we will not need the Hand of God, because it is the will of God.
"I have spoken to my father who is not in the best of health, but he said that if we reach the final then he will come here to see us win. He just said: 'Do what you did in 1986, son'."
Ahead of Saturday's quarter-final, Germany midfielder Schweinsteiger said Argentina were guilty of a "lack of respect" in the manner of their play and the way they interact with referees, while German captain Philipp Lahm claimed the South Americans were bad losers - with both men harking back to the meeting of the countries in the 2006 quarter-finals when Germany won on penalties and a scuffle broke out between both sets of players and coaches.
Maradona taunted Schweinsteiger on Thursday, asking the midfielder if he was "nervous", and has further warned that criticism of Argentina will only serve to minimise Germany's chances of reaching the semi-finals.
"We have no pressure on us, but we do have responsibilities to take the World Cup with us back to Argentina," Maradona said. "We are fully prepared and are motivated to win. We have to make Germany pay for what they have said about us in the last few days.
"We will not forget what Bastian Schweinsteiger said. He has not treated us well at all, saying we are a misfit team. We will show them our qualities by playing football, by doing what we can do with the ball. I will see to that."
Low has sought to limit the fall-out from Schweinsteiger's comments by complimenting both Argentina and their enigmatic coach, but the Germany boss has underlined his fears that Saturday's opponents are over-physical in their approach.
"We have great respect for the Argentinian team, but we know they play very physically," he said. "They push it to the limits. That's typical of South American teams. They're great people, but their play doesn't match the character of their nation. They're very aggressive on the pitch and that's what Bastian was saying. This will be a cut-throat fight again. It'll be aggressive, intense. Everyone will fight for every centimetre of ground.
"No other country can compete in terms of the number of talented forwards at their disposal. To think that Diego Milito, who had such a fantastic season in Europe with Internazionale, does not even make their starting line-up ... their firepower is remarkable, so it's not just Lionel Messi we have to worry about. In 2006 we compiled a list of their penalty takers for Jens Lehmann. This time we'd need a brochure given the forward players they have. We've been warned. We know their attacking power.
"But you'd expect that of a side coached by Maradona. I remember him illuminating the tournaments in 1986 and 1990. He galvanised the whole football world with his skills in those finals - he was simply magical. He left a mark on football like no other player has ever done and he virtually decided the 1986 World Cup by his hand alone. Germany and Argentina have a wonderful history of meetings; I hope this will be another."
Low singled out Messi as a likely threat to Germany and the reigning World Player of the Year will be fit to start Saturday's game, despite missing training on Friday afternoon due to a touch of 'flu.
"He told me about it and I sent him back inside," Maradona said. "It was very cold when we started training at 4.30pm. I gave him a bit of a rest. The session went well, but I never considered him not playing in this game. I just let him have a rest so he could play against Germany.''
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Messi to be given free role
Diego Maradona will tell Lionel Messi to go out and destroy Germany just like he did in the 1986 FIFA World Cup™ final. Messi will be given a free role to play exactly where he likes in tomorrow's quarter-final at the Green Point Stadium despite suffering from a touch of flu.
The Barcelona star sat out this afternoon's training session but will start against Joachim Low's side tomorrow. Maradona, who scored five goals in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and was their inspiration in a a 3-2 final defeat of Germany, said of Messi: "He did feel a bit under the weather, had a slight fever.
"He told me about it and I sent him back inside. It was very cold when we started training at 4.30pm. I gave him a bit of a rest. The session went well, but I never considered him not playing in this game. I just let him have a rest so he could play against Germany."
We're not favourites. But to beat us our opponents are going to have to play better than us and leave their skin on the pitch.
Diego Maradona, Argentina coach
Messi has not scored so far at South Africa 2010 but he has provided assists for more than half of Argentina's ten goals, and Maradona says he will allow him the same free role he used to occupy for the national team. "I want to give him freedom to play his game," he said. "He has no defined position. These players, like Messi, if you label them or shackle them, you'll detract from their freshness and initiative."
Maradona refused to accept Argentina were now favourites to win the Trophy after Brazil's defeat against the Netherlands. "No. No," he said. "We're not favourites. But to beat us our opponents are going to have to play better than us and leave their skin on the pitch. We don't feel like we're hot favourites. We have to keep playing our football. We're focused."
Maradona, who was written off as a coach by the sceptics before this FIFA World Cup, has nurtured a rapport of respect and togetherness with his players, showering them with hugs and kisses before and after all four matches they have won.
He is determined not to change anything now, either in the make-up of his team or in his coaching style. "We showed we are an attacking team, good in midfield and at front and back," he said. "I'm not here to make any changes of style. We respect our opponents but we don't fear anyone. I'm proud of all 23 I've selected. They're my players, my national side. I'm very grateful to all of them."
He also singled out Manchester City star Carlos Tevez for special praise. "I've known him for a long time and he's phenomenal," said Maradona. "He's playing a great World Cup and we're very proud of him. Wherever he plays - West Ham, Corinthians, Manchester United or Manchester City - he always excels. He's always the same."
Maradona ranked Argentina's form as a 6.5 at the start of the tournament. Now he agrees it has risen to an eight, but he knows it must get even better if his team are going to get past the quarter-final stage for the first time in 20 years. He refused to talk about Germany, preferring to focus on his own side.
"We're working towards the goal of winning the World Cup, but we're not wizards. We don't have crystal balls," he said. "We're not the smartest people in football. We can't predict this. It might happen. We're just working as hard as we can."
Maradona did give an insight, however, into what might be his final team-talk before his players take to the pitch. "They have to leave their lives on the pitch," he said. "Behind them is a whole country who haven't enjoyed a victory for a long time and they're so excited. Argentina depend on this team to be able to get up in the morning with a smile on their faces."
Diego Maradona will tell Lionel Messi to go out and destroy Germany just like he did in the 1986 FIFA World Cup™ final. Messi will be given a free role to play exactly where he likes in tomorrow's quarter-final at the Green Point Stadium despite suffering from a touch of flu.
The Barcelona star sat out this afternoon's training session but will start against Joachim Low's side tomorrow. Maradona, who scored five goals in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and was their inspiration in a a 3-2 final defeat of Germany, said of Messi: "He did feel a bit under the weather, had a slight fever.
"He told me about it and I sent him back inside. It was very cold when we started training at 4.30pm. I gave him a bit of a rest. The session went well, but I never considered him not playing in this game. I just let him have a rest so he could play against Germany."
We're not favourites. But to beat us our opponents are going to have to play better than us and leave their skin on the pitch.
Diego Maradona, Argentina coach
Messi has not scored so far at South Africa 2010 but he has provided assists for more than half of Argentina's ten goals, and Maradona says he will allow him the same free role he used to occupy for the national team. "I want to give him freedom to play his game," he said. "He has no defined position. These players, like Messi, if you label them or shackle them, you'll detract from their freshness and initiative."
Maradona refused to accept Argentina were now favourites to win the Trophy after Brazil's defeat against the Netherlands. "No. No," he said. "We're not favourites. But to beat us our opponents are going to have to play better than us and leave their skin on the pitch. We don't feel like we're hot favourites. We have to keep playing our football. We're focused."
Maradona, who was written off as a coach by the sceptics before this FIFA World Cup, has nurtured a rapport of respect and togetherness with his players, showering them with hugs and kisses before and after all four matches they have won.
He is determined not to change anything now, either in the make-up of his team or in his coaching style. "We showed we are an attacking team, good in midfield and at front and back," he said. "I'm not here to make any changes of style. We respect our opponents but we don't fear anyone. I'm proud of all 23 I've selected. They're my players, my national side. I'm very grateful to all of them."
He also singled out Manchester City star Carlos Tevez for special praise. "I've known him for a long time and he's phenomenal," said Maradona. "He's playing a great World Cup and we're very proud of him. Wherever he plays - West Ham, Corinthians, Manchester United or Manchester City - he always excels. He's always the same."
Maradona ranked Argentina's form as a 6.5 at the start of the tournament. Now he agrees it has risen to an eight, but he knows it must get even better if his team are going to get past the quarter-final stage for the first time in 20 years. He refused to talk about Germany, preferring to focus on his own side.
"We're working towards the goal of winning the World Cup, but we're not wizards. We don't have crystal balls," he said. "We're not the smartest people in football. We can't predict this. It might happen. We're just working as hard as we can."
Maradona did give an insight, however, into what might be his final team-talk before his players take to the pitch. "They have to leave their lives on the pitch," he said. "Behind them is a whole country who haven't enjoyed a victory for a long time and they're so excited. Argentina depend on this team to be able to get up in the morning with a smile on their faces."
First real test for Argentina
Few people expected Diego Maradona's Argentina to cruise into the quarter-finals with such serenity, but a side that looked chaotic and clueless during qualification for the World Cup has found harmony in South Africa and appear to be improving with every game.
Gonzalo Higuain jointly leads the tournament's goalscoring charts with four, Nicolas Otamendi put himself forward as the solution to La Albiceleste's problems at right back with accomplished performances against Greece and Mexico and Lionel Messi has tapped into previously elusive form with the national team and is yet to contribute goals.
With a supporting cast that features both star talent and experience, Argentina make a formidable attacking outfit. However, their defence is yet to face a stern test and has already showed signs of fallibility. Martin Demichelis gifted a goal to South Korea in the group stage, and the defensive unit as whole has lacked concentration on various occasions. Any slip up against a German side that humiliated England 4-1 in their second-round match could prove costly.
Despite the tender age of some of Joachim Low's youthful German side they have shown no fear, beating Australia 4-0 and then recovering from a blip against Serbia, when they played with ten men for 54 minutes, to beat Ghana and then England. Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, who were plucked from the youth ranks, the latter from the Germans' UEFA Under-21 Championship winning side, are vital cogs in the high-tempo, attacking German machine.
Throw in Sami Khedira, who has been so good that no one seems to notice the absence of Michael Ballack, talented Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, the attacking instincts of captain Philipp Lahm from full back and the experience of strike duo Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose and Germany have a team more than capable of testing Argentina's weak spot at the back.
However, there are issues for Germany to contend with. Lahm, fellow defender Arne Friedrich, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Muller, Ozil and striker Cacau are all just one yellow card away from suspension and could be inhibited by the prospect of missing out on a semi-final. Argentina have similar concerns over Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano and Mario Bolatti.
Argentina player to watch: Carlos Tevez - Overshadowed by the mesmerising skills of Messi and the goals of Higuain in the group games, Tevez decided to grab some of the spotlight against Mexico by firing in a straight-to-YouTube classic and fuelling the technology debate with an offside opener. His high work rate and endless harassment of defenders was enough to retain a place in the team ahead of Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero and now that he has added a goalscoring touch there is no stopping the Manchester City striker.
Germany player to watch: Mesut Ozil - The Werder Bremen player has brought a touch of finesse and improvisation to the German midfield and was a key part of their crushing 4-1 victory over England in the last round. The youngster was a constant thorn in the side of the English defence, with his off-the-ball movement pulling players out of position and his clever passing opening avenues for the other attacking players. Ozil assisted the fourth and final goal in the 4-1 win, and also created four other goalscoring chances for his team-mates.
Key battle: Thomas Muller v Gabriel Heinze - Languishing in Bayern Munich's second team a year ago, Muller now leads Germany in both goals and assists at the World Cup. The 20-year-old scored his first international goal against Australia in the opening match and has grown in confidence since. The lanky player can stay out on the right flank or drift inside to make a useful target at the back post. Heinze will be the man charged with stopping Muller and will have to utilise all the dark arts in his repertoire to halt the German. Argentina have looked great going forwards but have been prone to lapses of concentration at the back.
Trivia: Diego Maradona has never seen Argentina draw a match under his 23-game tenure as manager of the side.
Stats: Lionel Messi has attempted the most shots (17) without scoring in the World Cup so far.
Odds: Argentina (2.30), Germany (3.40), the draw (3.10) are all on offer at Bet365. But a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes will get you 15.00.
Prediction: Both teams have issues at the back so it is unlikely that the match will be a defensive affair. Argentina have more ammunition going forward and are likely to edge a high-scoring quarter-final.
Few people expected Diego Maradona's Argentina to cruise into the quarter-finals with such serenity, but a side that looked chaotic and clueless during qualification for the World Cup has found harmony in South Africa and appear to be improving with every game.
Gonzalo Higuain jointly leads the tournament's goalscoring charts with four, Nicolas Otamendi put himself forward as the solution to La Albiceleste's problems at right back with accomplished performances against Greece and Mexico and Lionel Messi has tapped into previously elusive form with the national team and is yet to contribute goals.
With a supporting cast that features both star talent and experience, Argentina make a formidable attacking outfit. However, their defence is yet to face a stern test and has already showed signs of fallibility. Martin Demichelis gifted a goal to South Korea in the group stage, and the defensive unit as whole has lacked concentration on various occasions. Any slip up against a German side that humiliated England 4-1 in their second-round match could prove costly.
Despite the tender age of some of Joachim Low's youthful German side they have shown no fear, beating Australia 4-0 and then recovering from a blip against Serbia, when they played with ten men for 54 minutes, to beat Ghana and then England. Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, who were plucked from the youth ranks, the latter from the Germans' UEFA Under-21 Championship winning side, are vital cogs in the high-tempo, attacking German machine.
Throw in Sami Khedira, who has been so good that no one seems to notice the absence of Michael Ballack, talented Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, the attacking instincts of captain Philipp Lahm from full back and the experience of strike duo Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose and Germany have a team more than capable of testing Argentina's weak spot at the back.
However, there are issues for Germany to contend with. Lahm, fellow defender Arne Friedrich, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Muller, Ozil and striker Cacau are all just one yellow card away from suspension and could be inhibited by the prospect of missing out on a semi-final. Argentina have similar concerns over Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano and Mario Bolatti.
Argentina player to watch: Carlos Tevez - Overshadowed by the mesmerising skills of Messi and the goals of Higuain in the group games, Tevez decided to grab some of the spotlight against Mexico by firing in a straight-to-YouTube classic and fuelling the technology debate with an offside opener. His high work rate and endless harassment of defenders was enough to retain a place in the team ahead of Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero and now that he has added a goalscoring touch there is no stopping the Manchester City striker.
Germany player to watch: Mesut Ozil - The Werder Bremen player has brought a touch of finesse and improvisation to the German midfield and was a key part of their crushing 4-1 victory over England in the last round. The youngster was a constant thorn in the side of the English defence, with his off-the-ball movement pulling players out of position and his clever passing opening avenues for the other attacking players. Ozil assisted the fourth and final goal in the 4-1 win, and also created four other goalscoring chances for his team-mates.
Key battle: Thomas Muller v Gabriel Heinze - Languishing in Bayern Munich's second team a year ago, Muller now leads Germany in both goals and assists at the World Cup. The 20-year-old scored his first international goal against Australia in the opening match and has grown in confidence since. The lanky player can stay out on the right flank or drift inside to make a useful target at the back post. Heinze will be the man charged with stopping Muller and will have to utilise all the dark arts in his repertoire to halt the German. Argentina have looked great going forwards but have been prone to lapses of concentration at the back.
Trivia: Diego Maradona has never seen Argentina draw a match under his 23-game tenure as manager of the side.
Stats: Lionel Messi has attempted the most shots (17) without scoring in the World Cup so far.
Odds: Argentina (2.30), Germany (3.40), the draw (3.10) are all on offer at Bet365. But a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes will get you 15.00.
Prediction: Both teams have issues at the back so it is unlikely that the match will be a defensive affair. Argentina have more ammunition going forward and are likely to edge a high-scoring quarter-final.
England made it easy for Germany, says Maradona
Argentina were preparing to make their first World Cup semi-final appearance in 20 years but for the throng gathered inside Green Point Stadium for the latest audience with Diego Maradona, there was only one topic of conversation, the humiliation being felt by their old enemy, Brazil.
"Even the photographers are dressed like Dutchmen," the Argentina manager quipped when seeing them wearing their orange tabards. "But, really, I don't want to talk about Brazil. Their defeat is their problem. I have other business. Just because they are eliminated it doesn't make Argentina favourites. But if anyone is going to beat us, they are going to have leave their skin on the pitch."
Nobody really believed that Maradona did not want to talk about Brazil because he was quite prepared to discuss anything else before a fixture that has defined his career. In 1986, in what could probably be counted the last great World Cup final, he caressed the trophy he had done so much to win in the Azteca Stadium.
Following a 3-2 victory over West Germany, his horizons appeared limitless; four years later, in the aftermath of another more brutal final, he was in tears, rounding on his team-mates for consoling themselves with the thought that they had at least reached a World Cup final with the words: "You don't celebrate second place, tiger." His international career had another four years to run before it ended in a failed drugs test.
At the start of the tournament, Maradona gave his side six-and-a-half out of 10 for their performances. Now he rates them as an eight, adding that it was difficult to assess Germany because England had "made it so very easy for them" in Bloemfontein.
Germany have been talking rather more about Argentina. Bastian Schweinsteiger recalled the violence that flared between the two sides in Berlin four years ago, after Argentina lost the quarter-final on a penalty shoot-out. Jens Lehmann had a list of where the Argentinian penalty-takers would put the ball stuffed down one of his socks. The Germany manager, Joachim Löw, replied that with Lionel Messi, who did not train because of a cold, and the rest of Maradona's formidable arsenal of attacking talent, Lehmann's successor, Manuel Neuer, would need a brochure not a list.
Franz Beckenbauer, still the spiritual overlord of German football, noted that Schweinsteiger's comments "were not the wisest thing he had ever said." He added: "I don't understand all these doubts that surround Maradona as a manager. An exceptional former player does not need to be taught about football. Argentinian players would go through fire for Diego. I know from my time at Bayern Munich with Martin Demichelis [the Argentinian centre-half] that the worst thing in their eyes is to let Diego down."
And yet, Maradona's defence is vulnerable to a German side that was tactically very adept against England. If Mesut Ozil can drag Walter Samuel and Javier Mascherano out of position as he did with John Terry and Gareth Barry in Bloemfontein, then the space Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski require would open up.
Beckenbauer urged Klose to attack the Argentinian back four early. While Lothar Matthaus, another veteran of both the 1986 and the 1990 finals, argued that the absence of Michael Ballack had allowed a young side to blossom. Curiously, Ballack is due in Cape Town to support the side he once captained, along with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
Löw appeared supremely relaxed, arguing that Schweinsteiger was perfectly entitled to express his opinion and that the quarter-final would be "a cut-throat encounter in which we will have to fight for every centimetre."
He would still continue to play his team the motivational videos just before kick-off, including shots of fans in Germany celebrating their goals. "They will be ready when they get on that pitch," he said. "We are not going to sit shivering nervously in the dressing room, hoping the referee will postpone the match. We are fully ready for this." When it was pointed out to Löw that Mick Jagger was now backing Germany for the World Cup he winced. "You can't bet on Mick Jagger's predictions because by backing England at the start he has been wrong about football before."
Germany v Argentina: Three Key confrontations
Jerome Boateng v Lionel Messi
A goalless Messi has not been at his best in the finals but his waspish running will concern Germany's defence. Their lack of a natural left-back – neither Holger Badstuber nor Jerome Boateng have convinced – is something of which the mercurial Messi will seek to take advantage.
Miroslav Klose v Martin Demichelis
The 32-year-old Klose habitually comes alive at World Cups. His opener against England last weekend was his 12th in finals history, making him the fourth highest World Cup scorer. Demichelis has struggled for form and will have a severe examination up against Klose.
Per Mertesacker v Gonzalo Higuain
Part of England's ill-fated game-plan last weekend was to target the perceived weakness of Mertesacker, and, while Fabio Capello's side failed dismally, Higuain could have more success this afternoon as he looks to further his claim for the Golden Boot.
Argentina were preparing to make their first World Cup semi-final appearance in 20 years but for the throng gathered inside Green Point Stadium for the latest audience with Diego Maradona, there was only one topic of conversation, the humiliation being felt by their old enemy, Brazil.
"Even the photographers are dressed like Dutchmen," the Argentina manager quipped when seeing them wearing their orange tabards. "But, really, I don't want to talk about Brazil. Their defeat is their problem. I have other business. Just because they are eliminated it doesn't make Argentina favourites. But if anyone is going to beat us, they are going to have leave their skin on the pitch."
Nobody really believed that Maradona did not want to talk about Brazil because he was quite prepared to discuss anything else before a fixture that has defined his career. In 1986, in what could probably be counted the last great World Cup final, he caressed the trophy he had done so much to win in the Azteca Stadium.
Following a 3-2 victory over West Germany, his horizons appeared limitless; four years later, in the aftermath of another more brutal final, he was in tears, rounding on his team-mates for consoling themselves with the thought that they had at least reached a World Cup final with the words: "You don't celebrate second place, tiger." His international career had another four years to run before it ended in a failed drugs test.
At the start of the tournament, Maradona gave his side six-and-a-half out of 10 for their performances. Now he rates them as an eight, adding that it was difficult to assess Germany because England had "made it so very easy for them" in Bloemfontein.
Germany have been talking rather more about Argentina. Bastian Schweinsteiger recalled the violence that flared between the two sides in Berlin four years ago, after Argentina lost the quarter-final on a penalty shoot-out. Jens Lehmann had a list of where the Argentinian penalty-takers would put the ball stuffed down one of his socks. The Germany manager, Joachim Löw, replied that with Lionel Messi, who did not train because of a cold, and the rest of Maradona's formidable arsenal of attacking talent, Lehmann's successor, Manuel Neuer, would need a brochure not a list.
Franz Beckenbauer, still the spiritual overlord of German football, noted that Schweinsteiger's comments "were not the wisest thing he had ever said." He added: "I don't understand all these doubts that surround Maradona as a manager. An exceptional former player does not need to be taught about football. Argentinian players would go through fire for Diego. I know from my time at Bayern Munich with Martin Demichelis [the Argentinian centre-half] that the worst thing in their eyes is to let Diego down."
And yet, Maradona's defence is vulnerable to a German side that was tactically very adept against England. If Mesut Ozil can drag Walter Samuel and Javier Mascherano out of position as he did with John Terry and Gareth Barry in Bloemfontein, then the space Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski require would open up.
Beckenbauer urged Klose to attack the Argentinian back four early. While Lothar Matthaus, another veteran of both the 1986 and the 1990 finals, argued that the absence of Michael Ballack had allowed a young side to blossom. Curiously, Ballack is due in Cape Town to support the side he once captained, along with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
Löw appeared supremely relaxed, arguing that Schweinsteiger was perfectly entitled to express his opinion and that the quarter-final would be "a cut-throat encounter in which we will have to fight for every centimetre."
He would still continue to play his team the motivational videos just before kick-off, including shots of fans in Germany celebrating their goals. "They will be ready when they get on that pitch," he said. "We are not going to sit shivering nervously in the dressing room, hoping the referee will postpone the match. We are fully ready for this." When it was pointed out to Löw that Mick Jagger was now backing Germany for the World Cup he winced. "You can't bet on Mick Jagger's predictions because by backing England at the start he has been wrong about football before."
Germany v Argentina: Three Key confrontations
Jerome Boateng v Lionel Messi
A goalless Messi has not been at his best in the finals but his waspish running will concern Germany's defence. Their lack of a natural left-back – neither Holger Badstuber nor Jerome Boateng have convinced – is something of which the mercurial Messi will seek to take advantage.
Miroslav Klose v Martin Demichelis
The 32-year-old Klose habitually comes alive at World Cups. His opener against England last weekend was his 12th in finals history, making him the fourth highest World Cup scorer. Demichelis has struggled for form and will have a severe examination up against Klose.
Per Mertesacker v Gonzalo Higuain
Part of England's ill-fated game-plan last weekend was to target the perceived weakness of Mertesacker, and, while Fabio Capello's side failed dismally, Higuain could have more success this afternoon as he looks to further his claim for the Golden Boot.
How come nothing mentioned on Tevez?
I think Tevez is a silent assassin in the Argentina squad and Germany should not underestimate him even though they think they can mark out Messi. Tevez is the potential match winner in many games. Not only for club but also for country
I think Tevez is a silent assassin in the Argentina squad and Germany should not underestimate him even though they think they can mark out Messi. Tevez is the potential match winner in many games. Not only for club but also for country
Gary Lineker's finds Diego Maradona in Argentina - BBC
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Dining with the Maradona family - Gary Lineker for BBC
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T Muller: Now let's hear you calling me ballboy again.
D Maradona: Eh, who won?
C Tevez: What? You! Fuck off!
Note: Although he's been in England for nearly 5 years now, he's not known to be fluent in English. But he definitely knows those 4 words, because he actually said them during the match against Germany.
The worst defeats that Argentina has ever faced. 4-0 against Germany. Maradona it seems is devastaed. But still, can't accept it. How? Maybe got kelong or what?
The last time Argentina suffered such a heavy World Cup defeat was in 1974 to Holland (also 0:4). England has never suffered a 3-goal margin defeat in World Cup before. This is a record that Germany has set (4:1).
Germany have scored 8 goals and conceded 1 in two games against England and Argentina. Even for Germany with an illustrious footballing history, this must go down as their finest run against other big guns.
Top 10 Crazy Diego Maradona Moments Of The World Cup
South Africa 2010 has been dominated by the hilarious antics of a certain Diego Armando Maradona. We look at the Top 10 moments of the Mundial:
1) No One Takes Free Kicks Like Diego
The 2010 World Cup has been a disaster for long-shots and free kicks, with the majority of players struggling terribly to get to grips with the Jabulani. But, one person, who has had no problems handling the much-maligned World Cup ball is Maradona, as he fired home free kick after free kick into the top corner during training.
2) Pele Should Go Back To The Museum
One thing that was guaranteed to happen this World Cup was a verbal war of words between eternal enemies Maradona and Pele.
In response to Pele's assertion that Maradona only took the Albiceleste coaching job because he needed the money, the Argentine declared that ‘The Jinx’ should "go back to the museum".
Maradona also earlier accused Pele of failing to support the South African World Cup and the country itself.
"When the tragedy happened to the Togolese team before the Africa Cup of Nations, a certain coloured gentleman who played number 10 didn't believe that the World Cup could be played here", he roared.
"But today South Africa answers him 'yes it can', the World Cup begins."
3) Maradona Prefers Women
After thrashing South Korea 4-1 in Argentina’s second match, Maradona was asked at the post-match press conference why he always hugs and kisses his players when celebrating, to which he replied that he was definitely straight.
"Well I still prefer women,” Diego proclaimed.
“I am dating Veronica who is blond and 31-years-old. No I have not gone limp wristed [homosexual]. But I like to acknowledge and congratulate my players when they play as well as they did today. That was a pleasing result and display. It was a job well done."
4) All The Losers, Line Up
During a training session in Pretoria, Maradona punished the losers of a mini-match by making them line up in the goal and have the ball pelted at them by the winning opponents. Diego joined the recipients – including Kun Aguero and Walter Samuel - in receiving the lashes.
5) We All Know What The French Are Like
In the early stages of the tournament, Maradona lashed out at UEFA president Michel Platini.
At a press conference, Dieguito called for Platini to try the controversial Adidas Jabulani match ball which has not impressed 'El Pelusa'.
"Platini, I'm not surprised with him because we've always had a distant relationship." he revealed.
"Hello, Goodbye! We all know how the French are, and Platini is French and believes he is better than the rest."
6) Naked In Buenos Aires
Argentina have been in fantastic form in South Africa so far, and are looking like a real potential winner. Maradona has promised that if the Albiceleste lift the trophy in South Africa after the World Cup final on July 11 he'll run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires.
"If we win the World Cup, I'll get naked and run around the Obelisk in the centre of the city," Dieguito smiled.
FIFA World Cup
7) Maradona Encourages Players To Have Sex
Maradona is like the cool teacher at high school who lets you eat and drink in class, answer your mobile during lessons, and not wear proper uniform. When quizzed whether he permitted his players to have sex during the World Cup, Dieguito is reported to have responded: “Of course, as long as the women do all the work.”
Team doctor Donato Villani added: “Sex is a normal part of social life and is not a problem. The disadvantages are when it is with someone who is not a stable partner or when the player should be resting.
“It is important the action should not reverberate in the legs of the players. Sex isn't a problem. It's only a problem if they're doing it at two in the morning with a bottle of champagne on the go."
8) Maradona Runs Over Cameraman & Curses The Man
Maradona had enough to worry about on the day he formally announced his 23-man World Cup squad for South Africa, however the announcement turned into a farce after the coach ran over a cameraman.
Driving a Mini to a news conference, Diego was surrounded by newsmen as he made his way to the venue before hitting one poor guy with his car. According to reports, Maradona drove his car over the cameraman's foot and then began blaming and hurling insults at his victim for causing the accident in the first place.
Witnesses were quoted hearing Maradona saying "What an a**hole you are. How can you put your leg there where it can get run over, man?"
See how Diego’s God-given genius with the ball has not deserted him despite his mature age of 49.
9) I Told You So About Milito
How about this for irony? After controversially leaving Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso out of his original 30-man World Cup squad there were reports that Maradona would then cut another Interista Diego Milito from the final 23.
When the 1986-World Cup winner did indeed retain Milito, he mocked the media and public by humorously making out as if he was the only person who believed in the striker: “Milito ended up confirming I was right in including him among the 23 players I'm taking to the World Cup. I'm not surprised about what Milito has done.”
Milito bagged a brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, blasted home the only goal of the Coppa Italia final and scored the winner over Siena that clinched the Scudetto for Inter, scoring 30 club goals in all competitions
10) Maradona & His Amazing Garce-Coloured Dreamcoat
There was widespread anger when Argentina record-cap holder Javier Zanetti was left at home, despite a brilliant treble-winning season with Inter. Rumour has it that virtually unknown Colon veteran Ariel Garce was called up instead because Maradona had a dream that Argentina won the tournament, and Garce was the only player he could remember!
South Africa 2010 has been dominated by the hilarious antics of a certain Diego Armando Maradona. We look at the Top 10 moments of the Mundial:
1) No One Takes Free Kicks Like Diego
The 2010 World Cup has been a disaster for long-shots and free kicks, with the majority of players struggling terribly to get to grips with the Jabulani. But, one person, who has had no problems handling the much-maligned World Cup ball is Maradona, as he fired home free kick after free kick into the top corner during training.
2) Pele Should Go Back To The Museum
One thing that was guaranteed to happen this World Cup was a verbal war of words between eternal enemies Maradona and Pele.
In response to Pele's assertion that Maradona only took the Albiceleste coaching job because he needed the money, the Argentine declared that ‘The Jinx’ should "go back to the museum".
Maradona also earlier accused Pele of failing to support the South African World Cup and the country itself.
"When the tragedy happened to the Togolese team before the Africa Cup of Nations, a certain coloured gentleman who played number 10 didn't believe that the World Cup could be played here", he roared.
"But today South Africa answers him 'yes it can', the World Cup begins."
3) Maradona Prefers Women
After thrashing South Korea 4-1 in Argentina’s second match, Maradona was asked at the post-match press conference why he always hugs and kisses his players when celebrating, to which he replied that he was definitely straight.
"Well I still prefer women,” Diego proclaimed.
“I am dating Veronica who is blond and 31-years-old. No I have not gone limp wristed [homosexual]. But I like to acknowledge and congratulate my players when they play as well as they did today. That was a pleasing result and display. It was a job well done."
4) All The Losers, Line Up
During a training session in Pretoria, Maradona punished the losers of a mini-match by making them line up in the goal and have the ball pelted at them by the winning opponents. Diego joined the recipients – including Kun Aguero and Walter Samuel - in receiving the lashes.
5) We All Know What The French Are Like
In the early stages of the tournament, Maradona lashed out at UEFA president Michel Platini.
At a press conference, Dieguito called for Platini to try the controversial Adidas Jabulani match ball which has not impressed 'El Pelusa'.
"Platini, I'm not surprised with him because we've always had a distant relationship." he revealed.
"Hello, Goodbye! We all know how the French are, and Platini is French and believes he is better than the rest."
6) Naked In Buenos Aires
Argentina have been in fantastic form in South Africa so far, and are looking like a real potential winner. Maradona has promised that if the Albiceleste lift the trophy in South Africa after the World Cup final on July 11 he'll run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires.
"If we win the World Cup, I'll get naked and run around the Obelisk in the centre of the city," Dieguito smiled.
FIFA World Cup
7) Maradona Encourages Players To Have Sex
Maradona is like the cool teacher at high school who lets you eat and drink in class, answer your mobile during lessons, and not wear proper uniform. When quizzed whether he permitted his players to have sex during the World Cup, Dieguito is reported to have responded: “Of course, as long as the women do all the work.”
Team doctor Donato Villani added: “Sex is a normal part of social life and is not a problem. The disadvantages are when it is with someone who is not a stable partner or when the player should be resting.
“It is important the action should not reverberate in the legs of the players. Sex isn't a problem. It's only a problem if they're doing it at two in the morning with a bottle of champagne on the go."
8) Maradona Runs Over Cameraman & Curses The Man
Maradona had enough to worry about on the day he formally announced his 23-man World Cup squad for South Africa, however the announcement turned into a farce after the coach ran over a cameraman.
Driving a Mini to a news conference, Diego was surrounded by newsmen as he made his way to the venue before hitting one poor guy with his car. According to reports, Maradona drove his car over the cameraman's foot and then began blaming and hurling insults at his victim for causing the accident in the first place.
Witnesses were quoted hearing Maradona saying "What an a**hole you are. How can you put your leg there where it can get run over, man?"
See how Diego’s God-given genius with the ball has not deserted him despite his mature age of 49.
9) I Told You So About Milito
How about this for irony? After controversially leaving Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso out of his original 30-man World Cup squad there were reports that Maradona would then cut another Interista Diego Milito from the final 23.
When the 1986-World Cup winner did indeed retain Milito, he mocked the media and public by humorously making out as if he was the only person who believed in the striker: “Milito ended up confirming I was right in including him among the 23 players I'm taking to the World Cup. I'm not surprised about what Milito has done.”
Milito bagged a brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, blasted home the only goal of the Coppa Italia final and scored the winner over Siena that clinched the Scudetto for Inter, scoring 30 club goals in all competitions
10) Maradona & His Amazing Garce-Coloured Dreamcoat
There was widespread anger when Argentina record-cap holder Javier Zanetti was left at home, despite a brilliant treble-winning season with Inter. Rumour has it that virtually unknown Colon veteran Ariel Garce was called up instead because Maradona had a dream that Argentina won the tournament, and Garce was the only player he could remember!
No One Takes Free Kicks Like Diego
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Unworthy' Maradona declines presidential invite
BUENOS AIRES — Diego Maradona and his Argentinian World Cup squad declined an invitation by the country's president Cristina Kirchner to be received at the presidential palace becaused they deemed themselves unworthy, the president revealed.
The President - who succeeded her husband Nestor as head of state in December 2007 - also said that she had tried to speak to Maradona following the 4-0 hammering by Germany in Saturday's quarter-final but the former playing great had been too upset to talk.
"You know that this president shows her true colours to the people in the difficult moments and not just the good ones," the 57-year-old told a rally in the northern suburb of San Miguel.
"And I invited our squad to come to the Pink House (the presidential palace).
"The players refused because they felt they did not deserve such an accolade but I believe they are wrong because they all deserved it and I will wait for them. Yes, long live Argentina," she added.
Kirchner, who was a senator for 12 years before being elected to the presidency, told all Argentinians to be strong in such a moment of sadness which saw the two-time winners fail to reach the last four for the fifth successive finals.
"On Saturday when Germany beat Argentina, Argentinians were very sad," she said.
"But have patience (gather your strength) Maradona, the squad and the country, even if the sadness will last.
"I called him (Maradona) after his press conference on Saturday but he was not able to talk because he was crying."
However, like most Argentinians, some of whom gave the squad a warm welcome at the airport, she offered her unqualified support to Maradona, who almost singlehandedly inspired the Argentinians to World Cup glory in 1986 where they beat West Germany and then to the final in 1990 where the Germans avenged their defeat.
"I offer my support because nobody has ever given as much pleasure on the pitch than Diego Armando Maradona gave us," she said.
Her speech went down well with her audience who answered with joyous cries of: "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Diegoooo, Diegooooooo!".
Maradona, who has serious financial worries owing the Italian taxman nearly 40million euros in unpaid taxes and interest accrued, hinted on his return to Argentina that he was going to step down.
"That's it, my cycle has finished," Maradona reportedly said as he arrived at his home. "I gave all I had."
BUENOS AIRES — Diego Maradona and his Argentinian World Cup squad declined an invitation by the country's president Cristina Kirchner to be received at the presidential palace becaused they deemed themselves unworthy, the president revealed.
The President - who succeeded her husband Nestor as head of state in December 2007 - also said that she had tried to speak to Maradona following the 4-0 hammering by Germany in Saturday's quarter-final but the former playing great had been too upset to talk.
"You know that this president shows her true colours to the people in the difficult moments and not just the good ones," the 57-year-old told a rally in the northern suburb of San Miguel.
"And I invited our squad to come to the Pink House (the presidential palace).
"The players refused because they felt they did not deserve such an accolade but I believe they are wrong because they all deserved it and I will wait for them. Yes, long live Argentina," she added.
Kirchner, who was a senator for 12 years before being elected to the presidency, told all Argentinians to be strong in such a moment of sadness which saw the two-time winners fail to reach the last four for the fifth successive finals.
"On Saturday when Germany beat Argentina, Argentinians were very sad," she said.
"But have patience (gather your strength) Maradona, the squad and the country, even if the sadness will last.
"I called him (Maradona) after his press conference on Saturday but he was not able to talk because he was crying."
However, like most Argentinians, some of whom gave the squad a warm welcome at the airport, she offered her unqualified support to Maradona, who almost singlehandedly inspired the Argentinians to World Cup glory in 1986 where they beat West Germany and then to the final in 1990 where the Germans avenged their defeat.
"I offer my support because nobody has ever given as much pleasure on the pitch than Diego Armando Maradona gave us," she said.
Her speech went down well with her audience who answered with joyous cries of: "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Diegoooo, Diegooooooo!".
Maradona, who has serious financial worries owing the Italian taxman nearly 40million euros in unpaid taxes and interest accrued, hinted on his return to Argentina that he was going to step down.
"That's it, my cycle has finished," Maradona reportedly said as he arrived at his home. "I gave all I had."
World Cup 2010: Argentina FA Head Julio Grondona: Diego Maradona Will Not Be Asked To Leave
Despite the team crashing out of South Africa in the Second Round the head of Argentine football insisted the matter was completely in the hands of 'El Diego'.
Julio Humberto Grondona, the head of the Argentine football governing body, AFA, has stated unequivocally that Diego Maradona will not be asked to leave his position as coach of La Seleccion.
'El Pelusa' had hinted following the Albiceleste's World Cup defeat at the hands of Germany that he would not continue at the helm; even telling reporters yesterday that "my time is up" when questioned on the matter.
But the AFA head assured that if any decision would be made, it would have to come from the outspoken coach, as he has no intention of firing the legend.
Controversial Grondona, who has been the undisputed head of Argentine football for over 30 years, stated in an interview from South Africa with Channel 3: "The decision depends on Maradona, he still has a contract with us."
And the director went further in stating the AFA's position on the matter, explaining that "Maradona is the only person in the country that can do whatever he wants".
Despite the team crashing out of South Africa in the Second Round the head of Argentine football insisted the matter was completely in the hands of 'El Diego'.
Julio Humberto Grondona, the head of the Argentine football governing body, AFA, has stated unequivocally that Diego Maradona will not be asked to leave his position as coach of La Seleccion.
'El Pelusa' had hinted following the Albiceleste's World Cup defeat at the hands of Germany that he would not continue at the helm; even telling reporters yesterday that "my time is up" when questioned on the matter.
But the AFA head assured that if any decision would be made, it would have to come from the outspoken coach, as he has no intention of firing the legend.
Controversial Grondona, who has been the undisputed head of Argentine football for over 30 years, stated in an interview from South Africa with Channel 3: "The decision depends on Maradona, he still has a contract with us."
And the director went further in stating the AFA's position on the matter, explaining that "Maradona is the only person in the country that can do whatever he wants".
World Cup 2010: Argentine legislator pushing to honour Diego Maradona by erecting a statue
Lawmaker hopes country pays tribute to coach...
A legislator in Argentina, Juan Cabandie, has suggested the country erect a statue in honour of Diego Maradona, despite having crashed out of the World Cup following a 4-0 quarter-final loss against Germany.
The Argentine squad was expected to go far in the tournament following their performances in the group stage, coupled with a strong 3-1 victory over fellow South Americans Mexico in the last 16 of the competition.
However, a relatively young German side ripped through their defence, scoring four to eliminate Maradona's men from the tournament.
There has since been uncertainty surrounding the coach's future, though it has been reported that the decision on whether or not to continue as boss rests with the legend himself.
In the meantime, the lawmaker has proposed to have a monument built "as an icon of popular Argentine culture."
"The Argentine people have shown that, when it comes to Maradona, the results are not important," Cabandie said, according to the Associated Press.
"Having been eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa, in a lopsided loss, thousands of people came to the streets to meet him and his 23 players."
Lawmaker hopes country pays tribute to coach...
A legislator in Argentina, Juan Cabandie, has suggested the country erect a statue in honour of Diego Maradona, despite having crashed out of the World Cup following a 4-0 quarter-final loss against Germany.
The Argentine squad was expected to go far in the tournament following their performances in the group stage, coupled with a strong 3-1 victory over fellow South Americans Mexico in the last 16 of the competition.
However, a relatively young German side ripped through their defence, scoring four to eliminate Maradona's men from the tournament.
There has since been uncertainty surrounding the coach's future, though it has been reported that the decision on whether or not to continue as boss rests with the legend himself.
In the meantime, the lawmaker has proposed to have a monument built "as an icon of popular Argentine culture."
"The Argentine people have shown that, when it comes to Maradona, the results are not important," Cabandie said, according to the Associated Press.
"Having been eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa, in a lopsided loss, thousands of people came to the streets to meet him and his 23 players."
