Veron happy for Batistuta

June 3, 2002

Argentine national soccer team midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron said he was happy for veteran striker Gabriel Batistuta, who demonstrated his goal-scoring ability in Sunday's 1-0 World Cup victory over Nigeria.

"It is very relaxing to see goals being made by the players who specialize in that aspect of the game, and I am pleased that we have accomplished our goal of starting the soccer World Cup with a victory," the Manchester United star asserted. "We played our style. Good or bad, we played according to our will," Veron said.

"Argentina could have won by more goals because we had more opportunities, while Nigeria threatened only once with Jay Jay Okocha," he added. With regard to Argentine captain and defenseman Roberto Ayala, Veron said he was upset "because Roberto hurt himself 10 minutes prior to the game," and was unable to play. "Nevertheless," Veron claimed, "it is important to see how well Diego Placente performed and that Ayala's injury is not serious."

Argentina, along with Nigeria, Sweden and England, are in the so-called "Group of Death" because none of the four are walkovers. The star midfielder, who captained the team due to Ayala's sudden absence, said he is calmly waiting for next week's match against England.

"It is a special game, above all because it is a World Cup match. But what we have to offer is already known, and I think we are on the right path although we have many things to improve upon," he said. "If we keep things as they are, it will be difficult for them to defeat us and easier for us to improve during the match," Veron said.

CNNSI