Pekerman plays down criticism, says his side can beat Germany

By Peter Auf der Heyde Jun 25, 2006, 15:23 GMT

Leipzig - Argentina coach Jose Pekerman on Sunday dismissed criticism of his team's performance during Saturday's 2-1 come-back victory over Mexico in a World Cup round of 16 match.

'My team played very well. We got what we came for, because we managed to win. That was our goal and now that we achieved it, I would say we did well.'

Argentina fell behind for the first time at this year's cup when Mexican right back Rafael Marquez struck on a corner kick after six minutes.

Hernan Crespo levelled on 10 minutes, though the Argentine star striker seemed to have pressured Mexico's Jared Borgetti into deflecting the ball into his own net on a corner.

With both sides knotted 1-1 after 90 minutes, Argentina finally pressed forward in the first extra-time period and Maxi Rodriguez slammed home a spectacular volley from the corner of the area after chesting down a cross by captain Juan Sorin.

Argentine hero Rodriguez said that the match had been tough. 'Both teams tried to play good football and for the last 20 minutes of the second half we pressurised them, but we could not score.

'The goal I scored was somewhat fortuitous A ball like that can either go way over the bar or go into the net, I am lucky that it went into the net.'

Pekerman said that he was pleased how his side had come back into the game. 'There were times in the match during which we did not have possession, but I always knew that we had the potential to win. We fixed the small problems that we had and that made a difference.'

He said that the high balls the Mexicans were playing into the area for their tall striker Borgetti were not easy to deal with. 'They were causing us some problems in the beginning and we needed to do something to change that. I am happy that we managed.

Pekerman said it was a problem that his side had not managed to score when they were dominating the game. 'There was a period in the game when we had more possession. I am worried that we did not score during this time and that is something that we need to work at.'

Asked if he was worried about facing hosts Germany in their next game, Pekerman said his team had nobody to fear. 'The World Cup is not a bed of roses and things become more difficult as time goes on. But we too are getting stronger with the matches we play. I am confident that we can improve in our next match. Remember, we start the game with a 0-0 scoreboard.'

The coach, who took many of his squad to glory in the age-group world championships, said that it was too early to say whether a European team or a South American team would prevail in the end.

'We have our skills and technique, while the European teams play with heart and dedication. That will make for a good contest,' Pekerman said.