Argentina can dream of glory, says Crespo

HERNAN CRESPO insists Argentina are proud to be regarded as World Cup favourites and that they can now allow themselves to dream of glory.

A 2-1 win in a superb match against Mexico has set up a mouth-watering quarter-final with hosts Germany in Berlin on Friday, and Chelsea striker Crespo believes Argentina can cope with the weight of expectation.

He said: “If people regard us as favourites then we are very proud of that and we hope we can win the World Cup for our fans.

“It feels like we have played four finals already but this win against Mexico now allows us to dream.

“Germany will be difficult but we will try to go out there and enjoy it. It could be the decisive match of the World Cup and we will have to be on the top of our game.

“We do understand that we still need to improve. We don’t need to change a lot but we did allow Mexico too much of the ball, we need to work on that, because if you don’t have possession you cannot dictate the game.”

Rafael Marquez opened the scoring for Mexico and Crespo has been credited with the equaliser despite television replays suggesting it went straight in off the head of Bolton’s Mexican striker Jared Borgetti.

Manchester United’s Gabriel Heinze was at fault for Marquez’s goal and he was also fortunate not to be sent off as the ‘last man’ for fouling Jose Fonseca.

Coach Jose Pekerman knew they had been in a game but is optimistic about the future and their chances against Germany.

“We have really good players who want to be champions. We are fulfilling our mission by moving forward in the tournament. We will get stronger and improve, I am sure of that. We know the World Cup is not a bed of roses.”