Maradona announced the squad for Week 11 (28 March) and Week 12 (at La Paz on Wednesday 1 April).

La Selección Argentina :

Goalkeepers - Carrizo (LAZ-ITA), Andújar (EST), Federico Vilar (ATE-MEX);

Defenders - Zanetti (INT-ITA), Demichelis (BMU-GER), Heinze (RMA-SPA), Samuel (INT-ITA), Cata Díaz (GET-SPA), Forlín (BOC), Angelleri (EST), Papa (VEL);

Midfielders - Jonás Gutiérrez (NEW-ENG), Lucho González (POR-POR), Gago (RMA-SPA), Mascherano (LIV-ENG), Maxi Rodríguez (ATM-SPA), Battaglia (BOC), Verón (EST), Montenegro (IND);

Forwards - Messi (BAR-SPA), Di María (BEN-POR), Tévez
MUN-ENG), Agüero (ATM-SPA), Lisandro López (POR-POR), Lavezzi (NAP-ITA), Diego Milito (GEN-ITA).


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In the game of Week 11 of the WC Preliminary Round against Venezuela on Saturday, 7:10 pm, Argentina would line up: Carrizo; Cata Díaz, Angeleri, Heinze; Maxi Rodríguez, Mascherano, Gago, Jonás Gutiérrez; Messi, Tévez, Agüero.

Aguante Argentina !!

Saludos,
Juán

In a practice against a team from Tristan Suarez (a first division B team) Maradona lined up possible team formations, without the traditional "playmakers"
and it just sums up how we're gonna play. Well, at least for now anyway.

GK: Juan Pablo Carrizo;
DF: Javier Zanetti, Daniel Díaz, Gabriel Heinze and Emiliano Papa;
MIDS: Maximiliano Rodríguez, Fernando Gago, Javier Mascherano and Jonás Gutiérrez;
FORWARDS/STRIKERS: Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero.

* At the beginning of the second half Marcos Angeleri and Carlos Tévez came on for Javier Zanetti and Emiliano Papa, respectively.

With this set up, Maradona will put to the test a line of three at the back and three strikers: Tévez, Messi and Agüero. During the second half, Javier Zanetti reentered for Daniel Díaz and Ángel Di María replaced Jonás Gutiérrez. Obviously, Maradona was allowed to make as many changes/subs as he desired.

I like that he is trying as many formations as possible, but hopefully after this round of qualifyings we will know whom are "A" team is, and who are our alternates.

Saludos,
Juan.

Thanks for the info Juan!

I've been unable to get a live stream of tonight's match...
BUT I've just looked at the score and at 66 mins we are winning 3-0!!!
Goals from Messi, Tevez and Rodriguez.

Wooooohooooooo!!!
Agüero has just scored.... 4-0!

Match just ended... 4-0.

I managed to find a live stream for the final 15 mins.. Messi nearly made it 5 in stoppage time!

GREAT RESULT!!!

Match reports anyone????

Well I saw the game, Argentina won easily esp in the second half. Am a bit worried though Venezuela isnt the strongest team and I expected other players to shine alot more. Infact what would happen if those other teams target messi. I expect Brazil to hit him hard thats thier recent successful tactic against us. I hope hes protected by the referees. I really think Juan skills is needed to slow the game down and really create from the middle. We wont always get around the last defender on the wide areas..Am a bit worried. I saw russia play, thats how I'd like us to play..total football with the best player inside. lots of creativity..I am not sure we have the best team yet..AM happy for the victory I Hope we get more confidence and play better. Veron didnt do to bad by I want an aimar or riqulume there.

...................


OK heres the reports


Maradona's Argentina crush Venezuela



BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Diego Maradona could not have asked for a better result in his first official match as Argentina coach, with his team crushing Venezuela 4-0.

Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi set Argentina on their way to victory in this 2010 World Cup qualifier with the first goal on 26 minutes after a 1-2 with Carlos Tevez on Saturday.

He then provided the cross that led to Manchester United striker Tevez doubling the advantage two minutes after the break.

Maximiliano Rodriguez and Sergio Aguero, father of Maradona's grandson, completed the rout with goals in the 51st and 73rd minutes.

This was Argentina's 16th win over Venezuela in as many meetings, and Maradona described the outcome as "better than expected".

"Reality has overcome fiction," added the Argentine football legend who was adding this to friendly wins away to France and Scotland.

It pushed Argentina up to second in the South America section of qualifying for South Africa next year, four points behind Paraguay.

Arch rivals Brazil, lying third, two points behind Argentina, play Ecuador on Sunday.

................................


Diego Maradona Delighted With Debut Win


Diego Maradona couldn't hide his emotion after his team's comprehensive victory over Venezuela at the Monumental stadium.

The Argentine football legend was happy with the manner in which his side approached the match, and was particularly pleased with Lionel Messi's five-star performance.

"If we have Messi like today everyday , it would be excellent. If he scored the last chance we all would have had to leave the stadium, pay another ticket and return again," joked Maradona.

Maradona was delighted with Argentina's overall performance on a night that will be remembered for many years to come.

"The guys played a great game and I leave happy. Both for their effort and the way they played. I'm very happy, but I know there are still some things to correct."

He continued: "We have to work a lot in the defense, they beat us with ease at times, they weren't precise, but if they were more confident they could have complicated us more."

Maradona ended the ten minute press conference by stating, "With friends like Pele, who needs enemies."

His declarations came after Pele accused him of being a bad role model, and Maradona reacted to this by claiming that the Brazilian lost his virginity to a man.
...........................


Messi gives Maradona perfect home debut



By Brian Homewood

BUENOS AIRES, March 28 (Reuters) - Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi, gave Diego Maradona what he described as a perfect home and competitive debut as coach by beating Venezuela 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Messi scored the first goal and then set up the second for Carlos Tevez before Maximiliano Rodriguez and Sergio Aguero completed an easy win for the hosts.


Maradona, who began his reign with friendly wins away to Scotland and France, was given a rousing reception by the crowd when he came onto the field before the game at the Monumental stadium.

“This was better than I expected, reality has overcome fiction,” said Maradona, who since retiring as a player has been treated for drug addiction, obesity and alcohol-induced liver disease, at one stage spending 10 days in intensive care.

“I couldn’t have imagined what happened today. It was perfect. It’s not easy to score four goals against Venezuela, we had to work hard for it.”

The win left Argentina with 19 points from 11 games in the South American group, four behind leaders Paraguay. Venezuela have 10.

“They beat us categorically,” said Venezuela coach Cesar Farias. “It’s difficult to defend a result like this.”

MESSI INSPIRATION

Argentina depended heavily on Messi for inspiration and the Barcelona player created their first real chance in the 25th minute when he jinked his way to the byline but nobody could connect with his cross.

The hosts went ahead one minute later when Javier Zanetti burst out of defence, ran 60 metres and found Tevez who laid the ball off to Messi in his favourite position around 30 metres from goal.

Messi cut inside, played a one-two with Tevez and scored with a low shot into the far corner for his fourth goal of the qualifiers.

He then created another chance by threading the ball through to Aguero, who rounded goalkeeper Renny Vega only to see his shot cleared off the line by Gabriel Cichero

Argentina goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo had to wait until the end of the first half for some action when he comfortably stopped Juan Arango’s long-range shot.

Two quickfire goals early in the second half ended Venezuela’s resistance as they slumped to their 16th defeat in as many games against Argentina.

Tevez volleyed in Messi’s cross at the far post in the 47th minute for his first goal of the qualifiers, in which he has been sent off twice, and Rodriguez scored with a weak shot which wrong-footed Vega five minutes later.

Aguero completed the scoring in the 73rd minute.

......................

Yahoo Sports


Maradonas comment about Pele is funny lol.

The 4-0 thrashing was always predictable.

Daryl posted almost everything here in his game reports. I'm gonna comment on the things which are not said.

* Di María had a nice effort on goal. The scene was maginificent - Diego Maradona smiling on the sideline. There is little doubt in my mind that Maradona loves this kid.

* Verón made a comeback after a long time. He was only in the game for about 10 minutes or so, but he showed that he can work really well with Messi.

* Our defence wasn't really tested. A little sloppy at time. I have to say that Angeleri played really well bringing the attack and in transition.

* Agüero brought Benjamín along. Everytime Benji has been to a game, daddy has won.

* And as always, Mascherano was a MONSTER thus his nick name el jefecito.

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Lets not get too excited boys, we played Venezuela. We should be happy that we got the 3 points that was the most important, but did any of you honestly think that we werent going to bury them?!? Its a nice run, we scored goals, we built some confidence up but thats all. We didnt play bad, but it seemed obvious to me that something just wasnt quite right in the midfield. I guess in time, we will find our new way in midfield.

Once we play some stronger teams that can actually attack and defend then well see what exactly what were made of. As for now lets put the Champagne on ice until God willing, its finally time to celebrate...


Let's see what happens on Wednesday.

Aguante Argentina !!

Saludos,
Juan.

Thanks for the reports Daryl and Juan!

Yeah, we can't really learn much from whipping a team like Venezuela... At least they won and scored a few goals to keep confidence high! Maybe Bolivia will present a tougher test - hope the Argies can cope with the altitude!

Messi Happy Maradona Handed Him Argentina’s No. 10 Shirt


Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was given the No. 10 shirt for Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela last Saturday in what was Diego Maradona’s first competitive game in charge as the coach.

Although he has always maintained that he doesn’t care what number he wears, Messi could not hide his joy at the end of the game when Los Albicelestes capped off a perfect evening with a 4-0 win.

“I’m very happy that Diego give me the No. 10. I will give the two shirts that I used to my mother and my brother,” he told reporters immediately after the match.

He added, “We played very well at times against a defense that was very tight. We created a lot of chances to score and we could have had more. I’m a little tired mainly because of the heat, but otherwise I’m feeling good.”

Messi then looked forward to Wednesday’s game in Bolivia, one that will pose a bigger challenge to Maradona and Argentina.

“I have never played at altitude before and people say it is very difficult. But it is necessary to try and go for the win and to take advantage of Paraguay losing and close the gap at the top,” he concluded.

With Brazil only managing a draw overnight against Ecuador, Argentina have retained second place in the CONMEBOL standings, but they are still four points behind the Paraguayans.


goal.com

Forza Argies

omg i forgot can't believe i forgot they won thanks guys.I was sick maybe that's why I missed the match they're showing the repeat now so i'll watch it .I'm so sorry I didn't know to post the link so u guys can watch it I'll post it Wednesday for sure

Thats ok bri, hope u feel better soon :)..

Marcelo Moreno: Bolivia Have To Beat Argentina
Goal.com


Buzz up!0 votes PrintMarcelo Moreno has declared that Bolivia's World Cup campaign will be over if they don't claim all three points against Argentina in La Paz.

Bolivia currently find themselves in ninth position of the ten-team group, and with only four automatic spots available to South American teams, anything less than a victory will all but put them out of the race.

"I don't think Bolivia are out of the World Cup yet. We depend on ourselves to obtain the results that we need. What we need to do is pick up three points, if not, it will get difficult," said Martins.

The Shakhtar Donetsk striker affirmed that a victory over Diego Maradona's star-studded squad is possible if la Verde "pressure them from the beginning".

Martins, who recalled Bolivia's 4-2 victory over Paraguay, expressed his optimism before such a decisive game. What could play in Bolivia's advantage is the fact that the match will be played at 3,600 metres above sea level.

Argentina have struggled when playing at high altitude in the past, and although they count with tremendous quality they will definitely be affected by the complicated conditions.

Meanwhile, Ronald Rivero of Universitario de Sucre agreed that Bolivia have a good chance of beating Argentina, and that they will be "motivated" by playing against Maradona's superstars.


Forza Argies

Hola Brigie !

I was there at El Monumental for you. Hey don't worry and have a great time. I wish you good health.

un saludo,
Juan.

Thanks Dar and Juan and all you guys .I won forget tmr I mean it have to say that cuz tmr is April Fool's .I'm feeling much better Dar ready for Argie's 2-0 victory over Bolivia tmr

Thanks Brigie!!!

Here are some more previews and articles.....

Maradona Makes Changes Ahead Of Bolivia Test

The Argentine delegation headed by Diego Maradona will travel to Santa Cruz de la Sierra on Tuesday to confront Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Bolivia...
31 Mar 2009 16:36:56

Argentina will be after their fourth successive victory under Diego Maradona when they face Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier that will be played in the altitude of La Paz.

Even if Argentina have struggled when playing in such difficult conditions in the past, Maradona and his squad intend to return home with all three points.

After their 4-0 victory over Venezuela on Saturday, Los Albicelestes are in a confident mood, and the quality of their squad suggests they will cause serious problems for the struggling Bolivians.

Argentina will be unable to count with the services of three players, these being Jonas Gutierrez, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Diego Milito. Maradona has announced three changes to his squad, but has yet to confirm what they will be.

According to the press, Martin Demichelis will replace Marcos Angeleri, Angel Di Maria or Juan Sebastian Veron will come in for Gutierrez, while either Carlos Tevez or Sergio Aguero will be sacrificed for Velez Sarsfield defender Emiliano Papa.

Obviously Maradona will take a more defensive approach to the match, when compared to the way Argentina played against Venezuela.

On Monday, Argentina beat Tristan Suarez 2-0 in a preparation match. Their goals were converted by Daniel Montenegro and Lisandro Lopez.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com
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World Cup Qualifying Preview: Bolivia - Argentina

Diego Maradona will be after his fourth successive victory with Argentina when Los Albicelestes face Bolivia in the altitude of La Paz...
31 Mar 2009 19:31:28

Kick-Off: Wednesday, March 28, 15:30 ET. Hernando Siles stadium, La Paz.

A Last Opportunity For Bolivia

Bolivia currently find themselves in eighth position with only nine points from eleven matches, and this means anything less than the three points against Argentina will take them out of the World Cup qualifying race. As has been the case in recent years the Bolivians have lacked quality in their squad and this is much of the reason why they have been struggling to this extent.

Although they have been disappointing throughout their campaign, they showed promise at times, like when they ended Paraguay's undefeated streak with a comfortable 4-2 victory in La Paz. In fact before their 2-0 defeat to Colombia on the weekend, they had been undefeated in their last three matches, having even claimed a point away to Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

But Bolivia know in order to overcome Argentina they will have to be at their very best. Even if the fact that playing at almost 3,600 metres above sea level is a significant advantage, Argentina count with shorter, faster players who are known to be more effective when playing under such difficult conditions.

As Shakhtar Donetsk striker Marcelo Martins stated on Monday, if Bolivia don't claim all three points against the Argentines their World Cup dream could "be over." As well as this, the Bolivian squad have agreed that facing Diego Maradona and Argentina is a great motivation to do well in front of their home fans.

Diego's Biggest Test Yet

Even if Bolivia aren't football heavyweights, Argentina will be facing a daunting challenge because of the effects of playing at such high altitude. Maradona's squad have struggled when playing in such conditions over the years, and will be tested by a Bolivia side who will be desperate for the three points.

Under Maradona, Los Albicelestes have impressed with three wins from three games. They have scored a total of seven goals and conceded none. Not only have they been effective on the score-sheet, but they have been playing very exciting attacking football, as they demonstrated in their 4-0 drubbing off Venezuela on Saturday.

Because of the complicated conditions in La Paz, Argentina won't be expected to play with such conviction, but the quality of their squad suggests that they will be looking for the three points. No matter where Argentina play they always go for the win, and it will be no different on Wednesday.

With such a comprehensive victory on Saturday, the confident Buenos Aires press expect another clear victory. But this could play in Argentina's disadvantage, as Bolivia are no pushovers when playing at home, and have the potential to cause a major upset.

Maradona and his men will need to be on the alert at all moments, because of the weird affects of the ball in particular. Juan Pablo Carrizo, who looked secure in the Argentina goal against Venezuela, will need to be weary of long-range shots that are twice as powerful when they travel in such low air pressure. Bolivia have mastered shooting from distance in the altitude, and will test the Lazio misfit at every opportunity.

TEAMS NEWS

Bolivia

Erwin Sanchez has a number of selection problems ahead of the match, and will change almost half of the team that fell to Colombia on Saturday. Joselito Vaca and Luis Gutierrez will both miss the match due to suspension, as will Jose Alfredo Castillo, who was sent off in the defeat.

Possible Starting XI -

Carlos Arias, Luis Ribeiro, Juan Manuel Pena, Ronald Rivero, Abdon Reyes, Ronald Garcia, Leonel Reyes, Didi Torrico, Alex Da Rosa, Joaquin Botero and Marcelo Martins.

Argentina

Maradona has been forced to make a number of changes from the side who thrashed Venezuela on Saturday. Either Juan Sebastian Veron or Angel Di Maria will replace the suspended Jonas Gutierrez in the midfield, while Martin Demichelis will occupy the position of Marcos Angeleri after completing a suspension.

Maradona will change his tactical scheme because of the possible Bolivian threat, and this means either Sergio Aguero or Carlos Tevez will be sacrificed for a defender in Emiliano Papa of Velez Sarsfield.

Possible Starting XI -

Juan Pablo Carrizo, Javier Zanetti, Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze, Emiliano Papa, Maxi Rodriguez, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago, Angel di Maria, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Venezuela - Marcelo Moreno

Moreno might be ruing his decision to play for the country of his birth rather than for Brazil, a team he represented at a youth level. Bolivia are almost out of the race to qualify for the World Cup, but if Moreno is on fire he could preserve their chances. The former Cruzeiro hitman will be hoping to add to his personal tally of five goals against Argentina.

Argentina - Lionel Messi

The Barcelona superstar was superb in Argentina's win over Venezuela as not only did he score Argentina's first goal, but he was at the centre of their best attacking moves. Often criticised for his form with the national team, against Bolivia Messi will he hoping to prove his critics wrong. The effects of the altitude may slow him down a touch, but he should still make a telling impact.

PREDICTION

Argentina have struggled in La Paz in the past, and will need to be in top gear in order to pick up a positive result. Los Albicelestes contain quality in all sectors of the field, and if they manage to overcome the difficult climate they should claim maximum points. Once again Messi's influence should be the difference.

Bolivia 1 - 2 Argentina

Gregory Sica, Goal.com
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Mascherano Plays Down His Influence On Argentina

The Argentina skipper believes his influence on the field is often exaggerated by the likes of Diego Maradona...
31 Mar 2009 18:33:16

Each time Javier Mascherano appears for his national team he gives Diego Maradona more reason to believe that he is the right choice to be the captain of Los Albicelestes.

But although he appreciates the compliments, Mascherano denied claims that he is an irreplaceable figure on the side.

"The Argentine national team is Mascherano and ten more," claimed Maradona, the coach of Argentina, last year.

Since then Mascherano has responded to this with a number of fine displays on the field, and many now regard him as the symbol of the national team.

"It is a phrase and nothing more. Of course I like it when they talk well about me, but I'm just one more member of the squad," explained Mascherano.

The Liverpool midfielder intercepted a number of important balls against Venezuela on Saturday, and he is expected to continue the good work when Argentina face Bolivia in the altitude of La Paz on Wednesday.

"We will play against Bolivia. We are aware of the altitude, and that is why we have to be intelligent and to play our game.

"We will be looking for the three points, because we know it will be very important to win to move closer towards the World Cup," he concluded.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

Hi Brigie, do you have the link for Wednesday's game??

Email  

Hi Fred 9 you can check this link when the game starts http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch4.html or if it doesn't work click on any of the links on this page http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=34381&part=sports enjoy and Viva Argentina

Maradona: Messi Reminds Me Of Me
Goal.com
1 hour, 12 minutes ago

Buzz up!2 votes PrintDiego Maradona, the coach of the Argentine national team, affirmed that Lionel Messi "deserves" to be compared to him.

"It is fine for him to be compared with me. He never loses the ball, he reminds me of me," Maradona declared to TyC Sports in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

"Leo is an exceptional lad. He is quiet, but when he has to say things, he says them. On the football field he has proven his worth as one of the greats, and hopefully it stays like this, for him to continue to grow for the good of the team."

Maradona affirmed that Messi "plays at a different level" for football's actual standards, and "the things he does with the ball appear to be impossible because of the speed he does them with."

Messi was superb in Argentina's 4-0 drubbing of Venezuela on Saturday. Not only did he open the scoring for Los Albicelestes, but he was at the centre of their best attacking moves.

"Leo is a phenomenal player," insisted Maradona, hours before the World Cup qualifier between Bolivia and Argentina in the altitude of La Paz.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com


Forza Argies

Thanks for the link Bri :)

You're Welcome Dar and guys love you all

Thanks Bri!

If there are any problems with those links, I've got another one.. in English.

Bol v Arg

DAMN... Moreno 12 mins

WoooooHoooooo GONZALEZ equalises! 25 mins I think!!

Penalty 2-1

I'm 'talking' to myself! I'll be back later.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

How many more tears do we have to ensure

I meant endure sorry

Match just ended.... 6-1
The worst defeat in more than 50 years.

Goodnight, I'm going to bed..... speechless!

Saw most of the game.

Its not as bad as it seems. I stand corrected but I think most of the players had thier 1st experience in La Paz. The conditions arent easy. Another interesting statistic was we have beaten Bolivia only on two occassions since 1975, the most recent one being 2-1 (galleti and figueora the scorers).

I am not putting to much on this defeat. In a way it would awaken the team more. Its better it happened now than just prior the WC. Boliva attacked from the onset and was quicker to the balls. Thats thier environment and they mastered it.

I dont think the inclusion of Riquleme would have made a difference. In addition the Bolivans would have beaten any team given the way they played. I am certain we would qualify..Have faith folks its just one game with a sobering result.

Forza Argies....Los Albiceleste 2010~ :)

Thanks for the report Daryl....

6-1!!!!!!!!! I know its always been difficult for visiting teams in Bolivia, due to the altitude, but 6-1, crikey o'reilly!

Well we'll see Diego really earn his money now, cos he'll have to pick the squad up and get their moral back. I reckon the problem was that Coloccini wasn't playing! Come on Diego, now you've seen what happens when you don't respect the hair! Get him back in!

Dar thanks for being so strong for us but the standings now put us in danger

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts

Paraguay 12 7 3 2 19 9 +10 24
Brazil 12 5 6 1 19 5 +14 21
Chile 12 6 2 4 17 14 +3 20
Argentina 12 5 4 3 18 13 +5 19
Uruguay 12 4 5 3 21 10 +11 17
Colombia 12 3 5 4 6 10 −4 14
Ecuador 12 3 5 4 14 19 −5 14
Venezuela 12 4 1 7 14 22 −8 13
Bolivia 12 3 3 6 19 25 −6 12
Peru 12 1 4 7 6 26 −20 7

NP Richie..

Bri dont worry we are far from danger there are six more games to go...against columbia, ecaduor, brazil, paraguay ,peru and uraguay... 2 of those teams are ahead of us. There are clearly no easy games here cept maybe againt peru who really need a miracle run to qualify. Please remember we are only 5 points behind the leaders paraguay. The home games are against columbia, brazil and peru. Forza Albiceleste :)

Nows heres an interesting media report from Diego ............


I sense a world class coach here :)

La PAZ (AFP) - Argentina coach Diego Maradona refused to blame the negative effects of competing at altitude after his side were humiliated 6-1 by Bolivia on Wednesday, thus registering their worst defeat in 60 years.

Bolivia's goals came from a Joaquin Botero hat-trick and Marcelo Martins, Alex Da Rosa and Didi Torrico while Argentina found the net through Luis Gonzalez at La Paz's high-altitude Hernando Siles's stadium.

But the former World Cup winner, who thus suffered his first defeat since taking over as coach last year, refused to explain his faltering team's performance on playing at 3650 metres above sea level.

"No, the altitude was not an issue. We came up against a team that gave very little away and basically they were the better team," said Maradona.

"It seemed to me that Bolivia gave everything they had, they played well and showed us good football." That remark prompted applause from media representatives, apparently for Maradona's sense of fair-play.

He added: "Whoever played against that Bolivian team would have suffered the same fate as us. I suffered with them (players). Every Bolivian goal was a dagger in my heart."

Argentinian keeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, who had a memorable night for the wrong reasons, was first beaten in the 12th minute by striker Marcelo Martins, who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine.

However, the Argentinians, twice world champions, were level in the 25th minute when Porto's Luis Gonzalez hit a shot from 30-metres without much conviction but an unexpected bounce meant it went past Bolivia keeper Carlos Arias and into the net.

Bolivia went further ahead in the 34th minute through hat-trick hero Botero of Mexican club Correcaminos, Mexico.

An inspired and motivated Bolivia went 3-1 ahead just before the break through Da Rosa and then Botero got further goals in the 50th and 66th minutes. Torrico scored the sixth and final goal with three minutes to go.

Angel Di Maria was sent off in the 63rd minute to make a terrible night even worse.

Wow Dar Maradona thinks like you,you both are so positive and confident i hope i can be strong I just can't stand ppl saying Argentina lost I'm trying to ignore it but it's difficult.I try not to worry they're playing on June 6th and 10th maybe they can win those games and be the top:).I wish Bati can get on the managing staff they need his input