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ESPNsoccernet: World Cup 2010 | |
Argentina coach Diego Maradona has promised that he will run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires if his side manage to win their first World Cup since 1986.
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Maradona lifted the trophy as player at Mexico '86 and is in charge of the national team in South Africa. The ever-controversial coach has now promised to streak if he leads his side to glory again.
"If we win the Cup then I will run naked to the Obelisk in Buenos Aires," he said after Argentina's 5-0 drubbing of Canada.
Maradona also insisted that he left star player Lionel Messi out of the side for the friendly because of a fear over injury before the tournament, claiming he told Messi: "If something had happened to you in that match, I'd have been shot - you know where."
Messi is yet to capture his best form for his country, with many claiming he is played out of position by Maradona. The forward plays in a free role behind the two strikers under Maradona, but has found success on the right side of a three-pronged attack for his club side, Barcelona.
Yet he claims that the decision is down to the coach. "I don't know. It's Diego's decision,'' he said. "But I think Argentina are fortunate to have so many top-quality forwards.
"I won't change. I'll keep playing in the same way. I hope to be able to do what I do for Barcelona in the national team without my form suffering. I have also won everything individually and now I would like to do the same with Argentina."