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World Cup 2010: Diego Maradona: Argentina not favourites, or even candidates, for the title
The Albiceleste coach is simply pleased with how his side are performing...
21 Jun 2010 16:02:00
By Daniel Edwards
Diego Maradona today refused to get carried away with thoughts of Argentina lifting the World Cup, telling reporters: 'We aren't favourites or candidates."
Argentina have impressed in their first two group games, and, after being unfancied when arriving in South Africa, many pundits have responded by installing the Albiceleste as their favourites to win the entire tournament.
Maradona, however, tried to play down expectations in a press conference, pointing out that one mistake or good opposition play can bring everything crashing down.
"We came here to fight for a World Cup, and I know a little something about what it is to play in one and be right in the mix of things," he said.
"I don't like being favourites before or during, any team can stick one past you in the corner and then, everything you've worked for.... Ciao."
The coach would however admit that he is happy with how his team have started the tournament.
"I like what I'm seeing from my team," he conceded.
"We are solid at the back, we are permanently on the attack. But it has only just started. It is like being in a race. We are only warming up the motors."
And Dieguito also had time to praise the overall South American effort at this World Cup. So far the continent is unbeaten, winning seven out of nine games disputed and topping every corresponding group (albeit Chile are tied with Switzerland after one game).
Maradona unsurprisingly was more than happy to explain to the gathered press the reasons behind this great run of form.
"It is because the qualification is much more competitive than in Europe," he said.
"Ecuador are another who could be in the World Cup now. And over there you take on the Faroe Islands."
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Maradona, however, tried to play down expectations in a press conference, pointing out that one mistake or good opposition play can bring everything crashing down.
"We came here to fight for a World Cup, and I know a little something about what it is to play in one and be right in the mix of things," he said.
"I don't like being favourites before or during, any team can stick one past you in the corner and then, everything you've worked for.... Ciao."
The coach would however admit that he is happy with how his team have started the tournament.
"I like what I'm seeing from my team," he conceded.
"We are solid at the back, we are permanently on the attack. But it has only just started. It is like being in a race. We are only warming up the motors."
And Dieguito also had time to praise the overall South American effort at this World Cup. So far the continent is unbeaten, winning seven out of nine games disputed and topping every corresponding group (albeit Chile are tied with Switzerland after one game).
Maradona unsurprisingly was more than happy to explain to the gathered press the reasons behind this great run of form.
"It is because the qualification is much more competitive than in Europe," he said.
"Ecuador are another who could be in the World Cup now. And over there you take on the Faroe Islands."
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