Argentina-England – D. Passarella: “We won’t do a Maradona”

Daniel Alberto PASSARELLA, ARGENTINA coach

Comments from SAINT-ETIENNE, Monday 29 June

“Our team has played very well at times, but it is very difficult for any team to be consistent. I’ll announce the team on Tuesday 30 June before the match. About the English, they have a lot of style and dynamism and have some excellent players especially in attack. I know Glenn HODDLE better as a player than as a coach. He was a very talented player with a lot of character, very wise on the pitch. As a coach, he has changed the English style of playing, making it more tactical, which has provided some excellent results and consequently they have reached the second round. We can win this “classic” match as we have met ENGLAND several times at this level. It’s the hardest second round match for both teams. This match has no political relevance, as you can’t compare a football match to a war that took place in 1982. The match against ENGLAND will be nothing like that of 1986, we want to be original. We won’t do a Maradona. We’ll do our best to practice fair play. As for Ariel ORTEGA (10), he is a truly skilful and dangerous player on the pitch who is capable of turning the game around at any moment.”