Agentina gala team against Mexico

Maradona clambered over reporters at a packed news conference on Saturday to embrace friend and former Napoli team mate Salvatore Bagni before saying his Argentina team should beat Mexico at the World Cup, reports Reuters.

A Maradona news conference at the World Cup has become a sideshow to rank with the progress of his “gala team” into the second round where they meet Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Central defender Walter Samuel is still being troubled by a niggling leg muscle problem that forced his substitution by Nicolas Burdisso in the 4-1 win over South Korea and Maradona said Burdisso would probably replace him on Sunday.
“If he is not 100 percent he won’t be able to give us the help we need,” said Maradona, having returned to his seat in front of cameras and reporters from a bear hug with Italian Bagni, a media pundit at the tournament in South Africa.
“Even knowing him as I have done all these years, Diego always does something to surprise you,” Bagni, who won the Serie A title with Maradona’s Napoli in 1987, told reporters.
Maradona said: “I’m going to field the best team I have in respect for the (Argentina) shirt. I was always going to field my gala team (at the finals).”
Maradona said Mexico had a team worthy of respect but “they had better know to respect our history. Argentina have the wherewithal to go through.
“When the road narrows (into the last 16) history comes into play and I’m sure my players understood the message,” said Maradona, who captained Argentina to their second title in Mexico in 1986.
“I’ve seen it all ... All my life I’ve picked up the experience that today I’m giving my players with all my soul and heart, saying to the lads ‘that’s how it was for me’.”
He said, however, that Mexico “have a bunch of players that worry us. If (Argentine-born striker Guillermo) Franco doesn’t play, that’s better because they won’t have headers.”
Maradona said he thought Mexico coach Javier Aguirre would field Rafael Marquez in central defense “because against Uruguay he looked a bit lost in midfield.” Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 to win their group.

Ghana again bar US path

Agence France-Presse . Rustenburg

Four years after sending the United States crashing out of the World Cup, Ghana’s Black Stars again block the Americans’ path and are the only African team into the knockout rounds.
Former US President Bill Clinton is among the American supporters who will make his way to this rural farm town for Saturday’s match after watching Landon Donovan score in stoppage time for a 1-0 US victory over Algeria to advance.
‘Hands down the biggest moment in my career. That’s something I will have embedded in my mind forever,’ Donovan said. ‘I’m so proud of our guys. We kept going and we believed. We’re alive. We’re not done yet.
‘My guess is Saturday is going to be a pretty cool occasion for our country.’
Moments from a repeat of 2006’s disappointment, the Americans continued a thrill-ride run that has them ranked atop their quarter of the draw with dreams of matching the 1930 US semi-final run from a World Cup with only 13 teams.
The Americans rallied to draw England 1-1, came back from two goals down to draw Slovenia 2-2 with a disallowed winning goal and shook off another controversial no-goal referee call to solve Algeria at the death to advance.
‘We’re like the ‘Cardiac Kids’ at the moment,’ US goalkeeper Tim Howard said. ‘That emotion, that passion is what American sports fans thrive on.’
Several US players have said that the memory of the 2006 flop is in the back of their minds, an exit caused by a 2-1 loss to Ghana in the 2006 group stage. Donovan in particular was ripped for the failure but has moved past it now.
‘That was not a good day for me or the team,’ Donovan said. ‘What I remember most is my tentativeness and after that was the finality of it all.
‘I’ve already put that behind me. This is the chance to do something special.’
Ghana’s Black Stars, however, are ready to spoil the US show once again.
‘From the beginning of the tournament, we were all dreaming to go to the semi-finals and now we have a big chance to do it,’ said Ghana defender Hans Sarpei, who plays for Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen.
‘Now anything can happen. We are playing very well. We can beat anybody.’
South Korea or Uruguay awaits the US-Ghana winner instead of once-possible powerhouse foes as Germany or Argentina.
US captain Carlos Bocanegra, who calls the Americans ‘heart attack-esque’ for their tendency to play their best
when pushed to the edge, knows how dangerous Ghana are.
‘It’s going to be a difficult game,’ Bocanegra said. ‘They have some players who are capable of scoring goals. They are an athletic side. You never count them out.’
Bocanegra knows well the skills of Ghana star Asamoah Gyan, his team-mate at French club Rennes.
‘He’s an athletic player,’ Bocanegra said. ‘He has got a great jump. He’s great in the air. He’s a pretty explosive player.’
Gyan says his team is on the right path despite his two penalty kicks being the only World Cup goals for the Black Stars.
‘The Americans are a very good team. They expend a lot of energy and are strong physically,’ Gyan said. ‘But we too have good players. It is for that that we have so much self-confidence.’
Ghana defender John Pantsil, who is a Fulham team-mate of US midfielder Clint Dempsey, warns the Black Stars will be more dangerous now.
‘We are going to correct our mistakes and speak to our strikers so that they can be more effective,’ he said. ‘We believe in ourselves and we are going to score more goals.’

KEY TO MATCH
Ghana’s Gyan against US defender Bocanegra
Two penalty kicks by Gyan got Ghana this far. Bocanegra knows him well from club days. That means Ghana’s Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng must find a way to beat a tough US backline or hope for a US blunder.

Portugal advance with Brazil

Reuters . Durban

Portugal and Brazil played out an unsavory goalless draw, including seven first-half yellow cards, as both sides reached the World Cup second round on Friday after completing their Group G games unbeaten.
Brazil finished top of the section with seven points with Portugal in second place on five. Ivory Coast beat North Korea 3-0 in the other game in Nelspruit but it was not enough.
The match, one of the most eagerly-awaited of the first round, was a huge disappointment with neither team prepared to take risks and was marred by petulant behavior on both sides.
‘It was a difficult game. They started very strongly, we had to put on our working overalls but I think we left the match wearing a smoking jacket,’ said Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.
‘There was a fantastic attitude from all the Portugal players. They were great in how they tried to play their football and how they fought,’ he added.
Brazil captain Lucio, asked about the many fouls, added: ‘We know both teams had a lot of will to win and went in with a lot of determination and so it happens, one or more severe tackles.
‘I think our team tried to play a little more. We knew it would be like that as both teams were qualified.’
Portugal, needing a point to make absolutely sure of a place in the last 16, made three changes from the team that thrashed North Korea 7-0 in their last group match.
Defenders Duda and Ricardo Costa were brought into the starting eleven along with forward Danny, replacing Pedro Mendes, Hugo Almeida and Simao Sabrosa.
Brazil replaced Robinho with Nilmar in their lineup while Julio Baptista stood in for the suspended Kaka in midfield.
The flurry of bookings in a bad-tempered first period included Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo, hauled off just before halftime by coach Dunga and replaced by Josue as his duel with Pepe—also yellow carded—threatened to boil over.
There were only three efforts on target before the break as both teams canceled each other out.
The best first-half chances fell to Nilmar, who had his close-range effort tipped onto the post by Eduardo after a cross by Maicon and then saw a downward header from another Maicon cross bounce just wide of the goal.
Tempers calmed down after the break with Portugal looking the sharper and substitute Simao Sabrosa forced Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar to make a tricky save from a long-range effort at the second attempt.
Portugal should have gone ahead soon after when Cristiano Ronaldo’s run ended with the ball falling to Raul Meireles but his close-range effort was saved by Cesar who dived bravely to turn the ball around the post and was hurt in the process.
Brazil were without suspended playmaker Kaka and forward Robinho, who was rested as the five-times world champions were already sure of their place in the last 16.

Brazil to battle Portugal for top spot

Agence France-Presse . Durban

World Cup favourites Brazil clash with their former colonial masters Portugal in their final Group G match today, with the five-time champions already qualified for the round of 16.
Brazil have racked up a 2-1 win over North Korea and a 3-1 victory over Ivory Coast to sit pretty on six points. A draw would see them top the group.
Portugal, on a run of 17 matches without defeat, drew 0-0 with the Ivorians before routing North Korea 7-0 to put them in second spot in the group and needing only a draw to advance to the next round.
Even if they were to lose against Brazil, Portugal’s goal difference is such that Ivory Coast, with one point, would have to win handsomely, and then some, to be close to threatening them for second spot.
‘Brazil are going all out to win another important match - it is important to ensure top spot,’ said Brazilian playmaker Kaka, who will miss Friday’s game after his red card against Ivory Coast.
‘Okay, I know a draw will leave us top but a victory is good for confidence.’
Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz said he hoped his side would avenge a 6-2 friendly defeat to the Brazilians in 2008 - the last time they shipped six goals was in 1955.
‘We don’t want the Brazilians to score against us this time - it is a question of honour,’ said the Mozambique-born Queiroz, formerly Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United.
‘We must not do Ivory Coast any favours in terms of letting it go down to goal difference.’
Portuguese midfielder Tiago added: ‘Our sole interest is to beat Brazil and finish top of the group. After that we will see.
‘We want to finish top of what is a very strong and difficult group.
‘In the final match, our destiny is in our hands. We are going into the match with Brazil with the intention of winning and finishing top of our group.’
Brazil coach Dunga, who has led his side to victory in the Copa America and the Confederations Cup here last year, will likely field some reserves against Portugal.
‘We are not sure who will replace Kaka for the next game, we will think about it over the next few days,’ he said.
Dunga looks to have three options regarding his Kaka conundrum.
He can field Nilmar in attack and switch the on-form Robinho into a central role, send in Julio Baptista or push Daniel Alves forward into the engine room.
Dunga is also waiting on the fitness of Elano, who picked up a calf strain in the win over Ivory Coast, with Benfica’s Ramires on stand-by.
The winners of Group G will play the runners-up in Group H, currently topped by Chile, with Spain and Switzerland in second on three points and Honduras winless.
To date, the Brazilians have won 12 and the Portuguese four of 18 matches with two drawn.
KEY TO MATCH
Cristiano Ronaldo v Robinho
Portugal captain Ronaldo is the driver of his team and was everywhere in the 7-0 drubbing of North Korea. His battle in midfield and drive forward will be key for a team seeking a victory over Brazil, for whom Robinho has hit great form. In the absence of the suspended Kaka, all eyes will be on the Manchester City player to act as the five-time world champions’ catalyst.

Brazil aim to keep momentum going

Associated Press . Johannesburg

Already through to the next stage of the World Cup, Brazil wants to keep its momentum going into the round of 16 by beating Portugal on Friday.
A win would also allow Brazil to finish first in Group G, possibly avoiding a match against European champion Spain in the next round.
Brazil can finish first even with a draw in Durban. The team leads the group with six points, two more than Portugal, which virtually clinched a second-round spot after defeating North Korea 7-0. Ivory Coast has one point and the Koreans zero.
‘Brazil needs to go into the match thinking about winning it,’ said Kaka, who will not play after being sent off against Ivory Coast. ‘It’s fundamental to finish first. We know a draw will be enough, but winning will be important to give us confidence and motivation for the round of 16. Brazil will try to win this match.’
A victory also would allow Brazil to play the second-round match in Johannesburg, where it has been training since arriving in South Africa last month. The second-place team will have to travel to Cape Town for the round of 16.
‘Our goal is to keep playing better during the competition,’ Brazil captain Lucio said. ‘We need to use this match to try to fix the mistakes we have made, to be prepared for the decisive stages.’
Brazil began its quest for a sixth world title with a difficult 2-1 win over North Korea at Ellis Park, struggling to break through the tough defending of the Asian nation. Brazil played better in the second match, beating Ivory Coast 3-1 at Soccer City.
‘It’s important for the team to keep improving as the tournament goes on,’ coach Dunga said. ‘It’s what we want to happen.’
Brazil and Portugal are deeply connected nations. They are the only Portuguese-speaking countries at the World Cup, and Portugal enters the tournament with three Brazil-born players—Deco, Liedson and Pepe.
The teams have played two friendlies since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, with Portugal winning 2-0 in 2007 in London and Brazil coming out victorious 6-2 a year later in Brasilia, Brazil’s capital.
‘There is always a rivalry between Brazil and Portugal,’ Kaka said. ‘It was one of the teams we played the most in the last few years.’
The group winner could avoid another high-profile match in the next round if Spain tops Group H. That group is wide open, however, with Chile, Spain and Switzerland all with a good chance to advance.
Chile currently leads the group with six points, followed by Spain and Switzerland with three each. Honduras has zero points. Spain will face Chile in the last match and Switzerland plays Honduras.
‘It’s a very equal group, we’ve been taking a close look at all the matches,’ Kaka said. ‘Chile plays more offensively, while Spain has excellent players and a very strong group. Switzerland is more European in style, relying more on set pieces and counterattacks.’
Lucio said Brazil needs to focus on its own game regardless of which team it will face.
‘In a World Cup, we can’t pick opponents,’ the defender said. ‘We have to try to win our matches and face the next opponent the best we can.’

Messi revels in leading role

Agence France-Presse . Johannesburg

Argentine star Lionel Messi said he had thrived after the ‘unique experience’ of being handed the skipper’s armband for Tuesday’s World Cup win over Greece.
‘It was a unique experience - something very special,’ said Messi after coach Diego Maradona handed him the job having rested Javier Mascherano for the 2-0 win. It was a victory which saw the albiceleste make it three wins out of three in Group B and book a meeting with Mexico in the last 16. ‘As soon as I knew about it was just great, unique,’ said Messi, who would not be drawn on whether he might assume similar responsibilities at Barcelona. ‘If that were to happen one day it would be a pleasure,’ he said.

Argentina Target for 3 games Wins, at World Cup

POLOKWANE, Jun 21: Argentina could become the first team at the World Cup to wrap up three victories if it defeats Greece on Tuesday - though a draw would be enough for the twice world champions to advance to the last 16 as Group B winners, reports AP.
Coach Diego Maradona’s team has so far underlined its status as one of the tournament’s biggest favorites, scoring an aggregate 5-1 goal difference.
”We can all be happy,” Maradona said. “Two games, two wins - and the way we achieved them.”
Greece might need a helping hand from Nigeria if it is to advance - unless it earns an unlikely three-goal margin victory over Argentina.
Greece could scape through on a smaller win or even a draw, but it then depends on a still pointless Nigeria to get a favorable result against South Korea at a simultaneous game in Durban.
The 2004 European champions lost their opening game 2-0 to South Korea, then rallied to beat Nigeria 2-1 for their first ever World Cup win, points and goals. They’re now hoping to keep their momentum going.
”For sure, the team can do better and can show more on the pitch,” defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos said. “We will be freer to play, because the game against Nigeria was like a final ... We are very relaxed after the win, and in my opinion this will help us a lot.”
Forward Pantelis Kapetanos called all the Argentina players ”exceptional,” but believed Greece has a chance of beating them.
”It’s also up to us. If we play well, we can make it,” Kapetanos said. “If we stay concentrated for the entire 90 minutes, I believe the match can be won.”
Kapetanos acknowlegded the depth of the Argentina squad, saying ”they have 22 fantastic players and (Lionel) Messi, who is one step higher in quality - the best player in the world.”
Greece was expected to rely on its well-known defensive tactics to stop the opponent’s dazzling attack featuring Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain, who had a hattrick in Argentina’s 4-1 demolition of South Korea on Thursday.
Coach Otto Rehhagel will have defender Vasilis Torosidis and captain Giorgos Karagounis at his disposal as both players resumed normal training Sunday after suffering knocks in the Nigeria game.
However, defender Avraam Papadopoulos skipped Sunday’s practice session and trained on the sidelines as a precaution.
Argentina isn’t completely free of injury troubles either as defender Walter Samuel is doubtful after picking up a thigh injury and being replaced after 22 minutes into the South Korea game.
”Luckily it’s not a muscle tear so that’s good and I hope to return as soon as possible,” Samuel said. “I’d like to be ready for the next match, but there is no deadline.”
Midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron was kept sidelined in the same game after suffering a right-calf injury during the team’s 1-0 win over Nigeria.
Jonas Gutierrez - a midfielder who is used by Maradona as a right wing defender - is certain to miss the Greece match after being shown yellow cards in each of the first two games.
Maradona faces no problems up front. Higuain was mainly invisible in Argentina’s opener but ended speculation about a possible replacement by Inter Milan striker Diego Milito as he hit the target three times against South Korea.
Tuesday’s game will be a rematch of their encounter at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, when Maradona scored to help Argentina beat Greece 4-0. It was Maradona’s 34th and last goal for the national team.
Another victory over Greece at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium will see Argentina taking its next step toward claiming its first international title since winning the Copa America in 1993.