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World Cup 2010: Diego Maradona cools Argentine euphoria

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has warned his side to expect tougher tests after

qualifying from World Cup Group B with a 100% record.

His side beat Greece 2-0 to finish top of the pool and now face Mexico in the

knockout round on Sunday.

"Now the road gets more difficult," said the former World Cup winner.

"You always hear about Germany, Italy, Brazil playing poorly, but they're always in

the second round, quarters, semi-finals and the final."

Maradona made seven changes to the side that beat South Korea 4-1, resting captain

Javier Mascherano, forward Carlos Tevez and hat-trick hero Gonzalo Higuain.

And during the first half Greece, who were dumped out of the competition as a

result of the defeat, produced a defensive display that frustrated the new-look

Argentina.

But in the second half, the South American side finally broke the deadlock when

Martin Demichelis pounced on a loose ball from a corner, and rifled his shot high

into the Greece goal.

Substitute Martin Palermo, 36, made sure of the victory late in the game when he

sidefooted past Alexandros Tzoras after the keeper had palmed Lionel Messi's shot

into his path.

Messi, who also rattled the post with a fierce strike and forced Tzoras to tip over

another effort, was handed the captain's armband for the first time in his

international career.

In doing so, he became the country's youngest-ever skipper - two days short of his

23rd birthday.

"It was a unique experience - something very special," said the Barcelona star.

"As soon as I knew about it it was just great, unique."

Maradona paid tribute to 22-year-old playmaker, explaining why he could not rest

him.

"We want to be world champions with Messi," added the 49-year-old.

"We had the opportunity to leave him out but we wanted to play him. A lot of people

come to see him play. To leave him out would be a sin."

Meanwhile, veteran Palermo was delighted to have repaid the faith that coach

Maradona had in him by scoring the second goal.

Palermo has found himself behind Higuain, Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero in the

forwards pecking order.

"This is priceless," said the Boca Juniors forward.

"I will always be grateful to Diego Maradona and to the staff for their confidence

in me, knowing there are others ahead of me.

"My team-mates celebrated with me as if they had scored themselves."

Driver from: news.bbc.co.uk/sport/

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