Lionel Messi is starting for Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final against Germany today.

DEFENDER Martin Demichelis and substitute Martin Palermo succeeded where Argentina’s multi-talented strikeforce had failed as they scored the goals to break Greece’s resilience and end their World Cup hopes at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last night.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona took a swipe at fellow legends Pele and Michel Platini and also criticised the World Cup matchball during another no-holds-barred press conference in South Africa today.

DIEGO MARADONA hailed Martin Palermo as a “miracle maker” after the veteran striker’s last-gasp goal against Peru on Saturday gave Argentina renewed hope of qualifying directly for next year’s World Cup finals.

Argentina 2 Peru 1

NEWCASTLE claimed a fine 1-0 win in Palermo to move to within touching distance of a place in the third round of the UEFA Cup.

WEST HAM’S disappointing start to the season continued as they bowed out of the UEFA Cup at the Renzo Barbera Stadium.

Scientists have cloned human embryos for the first time using immature eggs matured in a dish – a technique that may help cloning become a viable option for growing patients’ own replacement tissue to treat diseases.