The Hindu : Sport / Football : Maradona flays the Germans

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Tuesday, Jul 04, 2006

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Maradona flays the Germans

ROME: Argentina football great Diego Maradona doesn't think much of the host team at the World Cup, saying the Germans don't have much going for them apart from brawn.

``They (the Germans) don't know how to play and up until now they haven't shown anything, but they are physically very strong,'' Maradona told an Italian radio show, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

``If Italy doesn't forget its quality and manages to take the lead, Germany will be in difficulty because the Azzurri defend very well, 10 times better than Argentina.''

Germany, which ousted Argentina in a quarterfinal penalty shootout, meets Italy in Dortmund in the semifinals.

With his native Argentina out, Maradona has found another team to cheer for. ``I'm supporting Italy," the former Napoli player said. ``I really liked the Azzurri against Ghana, that's the team I want to see.''

Maradona noted Italy's subsequent performances were not as good.

Asked about what psychological effect the football scandal back home might be having on the Italian players, Maradona said he understood the pressure such issues could cause.

``I remember the mess there was in Italy in '82 and what there is today,'' he said. ``The players charge themselves up and that's why they are doing so well. If Argentina had been in the semifinal, my main worry would have been the mental strength of the Italian players, with everything that is going on.'' — AP

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