Aguero not concerned with rivals - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Aguero not concerned with rivals

21/06/2010 04:33:33 AM Comments (0)

Argentina striker Sergio Aguero insists he takes no pleasure in seeing other traditional football powers struggling at the World Cup, even though it could lead to some easier matchups in the knockout rounds.

Argentina is one of the few favourites to have lived up to expectations so far at the tournament, with Spain, France, Italy and England all struggling in the group stage.

Argentina won its first two games and only needs a draw against Greece on Tuesday to guarantee advancement - while some of its biggest rivals are already facing must-win games just to stay alive.

"We don't care who are rivals will be" in the next rounds, Aguero said. "If we want to reach the final we're going to face some difficult countries."

Aguero plays for Atletico Madrid in the Spanish league, but said he was indifferent to Spain's stunning loss against Switzerland, which has put added pressure on the European champion.

"It's all the same to me what Spain does. If they go through or not is their problem," Aguero said. "I play for Argentina and the only thing I think about is Argentina."

With Argentina likely to advance even with a loss, coach Diego Maradona is likely to rest several of his regular starters. That could give Aguero a starting spot, after coming on a substitute in the 4-1 win over South Korea.

Aguero is Maradona's son-in-law and has a son, Benjamin, with the coach's daughter Giannina. However, he insisted that he receives no special treatment.

"There are no family interests here," Aguero said. "I have no advantages and I do my best to be a starter on the team."

Midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, one of the team's leaders on the pitch, has been cleared to play by the medical staff after recovering from a right-calf ailment and could return after missing the match against South Korea.

Defender Jonas Gutierrez will be out against Greece after picking up two yellow cards, while Walter Samuel is still recovering from a muscle problem in his right thigh.

Defender Gabriel Heinze, who scored the only goal against Nigeria, and midfielder Javier Mascherano, the team captain, each have a yellow card to their name, so Maradona could rest them and save them for the second round.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news