Pastore puts team before glory

JAVIER PASTORE is happy to bide his time on the sidelines provided Argentina can keep winning.

The Palermo midfielder, who celebrated his 21st birthday 10 days ago, has featured just once at the World Cup so far in a 13-minute cameo against Greece during the group stages.

With the likes of Jonas Gutierrez, Angel di Maria, Juan Sebastian Veron and Maxi Rodriguez to compete with, Pastore has had to wait his turn.

But after his short spell against the Greeks he received plenty of praise and said today: “I’m really happy that people have a good impression of me.

“The coach has also been giving me very good support and was happy with the way I took my opportunity, even though it was a short one, against Greece.

“I am okay to wait for my turn as long as the team keeps winning.”

The former Talleres and Huracan player also praised the influence his boss Diego Maradona has had on the whole team.

He added: “Diego has gone through many football experiences and that helps us a lot.

“If you’ve got a doubt about something or a question, he knows what to say. It’s a great motivation for us and we look up to him.”

La Albiceleste, who have won all their games in South Africa so far, play old rivals Germany in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Pastore is again expected to be a spectator, but he admits the team is aware of the threat posed by the European giants.

He added: “Germany have very fast players, who are very strong, and we have to be careful about this.

“We know that they are very good at set-pieces, so we have to be wary of that.”

lJAVIER AGUIRRE has resigned as coach of Mexico after their World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina.

Mexico came through the first stage by beating France and drawing with hosts South Africa, but could not negotiate a tricky last-16 tie with the Albicelestes, losing 3-1.

“I have to leave, it’s the most honest thing to do,” Aguirre said.

“I know the goal wasn’t met. I’m a little disappointed, I knew that our team could overcome Argentina.”