‘Time with Maradona’ has boosted Argentina’s chances

FORMER goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea has pointed to the time spent together by Argentina in recent weeks as the main reason for the dramatic change in fortune for coach Diego Maradona.

The La Albiceleste boss, who has been under fire ever since his appointment in late 2008, saw his team struggle through the qualifying campaign for the World Cup.

They eventually secured their place in South Africa on the final day and have impressed so far in the finals, comfortably winning all three of their Group B games against Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.

Goycochea, an ex-team-mate of his legendary countryman, said: “I think this is because it’s only now that Maradona has had a chance to be a full month with the entire squad.

“So this now allows him to connect with the players, understand them and give them his support.”

The Argentinians next face Mexico in the last 16 and Goycochea, who played more than 40 times for his country and was the first choice at the 1990 finals where they reached the final, was predicting an easy win.

He continued: “Argentina against Mexico is obviously going to be a very difficult game.

“Mexico are a very good side and will be putting forward their best strategy to beat Argentina, but my heart is telling me Argentina will win 2-0.”

Maradona’s men are not the only South American country to have excelled at the finals with Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay also through to the next stage.

Mexico midfielder Gerardo Torrado is adamant his side should not be dismissed when they come up against Argentina.

Argentina are overwhelming favourites to win the match at Soccer City after winning all three of their Group B matches, while Mexico only progressed from Group A on goal difference.

However, Torrado believes it would be wrong for Lionel Messi and company to underestimate El Tricolor.

He told La Cronica: “Mexico is also a strong rival for any team. If you look at the work this team does and how we match up man to man, we have proved we are a difficult team to beat that has earned the respect of its rivals.

“Obviously you have to translate it onto the field, but I think we can make a valid argument to say we can win this game.”