Crespo: It is difficult to improve

Hernan Crespo believes it will be difficult for Argentina to emulate their mesmeric performance against Serbia and Montenegro when they take on Holland tomorrow.

The Argentinians were in scintillating form last Friday, displaying some exquisite one-touch passing as well as a ruthless cutting edge on their way to a 6-0 win.

Chelsea striker Crespo, who was one of the scorers in that game, was thrilled with the way his team played but cannot see the performance being repeated against the unbeaten Dutch in Group C’s top-of-the-table encounter.

“I’m very proud that I played a part in that match and was part of a historic event,” he said. “But I feel it will be difficult to improve on the level we showed against Serbia and Montenegro.

“We put on a great performance and the challenge now is to maintain it. We must not give our rivals the confidence that will make them believe they can win.

“We must manage the game as we did against Serbia & Montenegro, although that will be tough.”

Crespo is not unduly concerned about any other country in the competition as the tournament edges closer to the knock-out stages.

“Teams have been having their moments during the tournament,” he added.

“But there hasn’t been a team who has managed to maintain a constant level for the whole 90 minutes in the first two matches.

“I liked Italy in their first match, but not in their second. And England have had some good moments in both games.

“But there’s is not a completely solid team.

“Argentina are getting better. We’re proud of what we did in the second game. We’re looking to make a name for ourselves, just like the rest of the teams.

“But I think it’s been a good World Cup.”