Cavallero sick of Argentina-England side-issues
June 6, 2002
Argentina goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero has insisted his side are only motivated by qualifying for the World Cup second phase ahead of their match against England.
Onefootball
"We don't want to hurt them. We're not even thinking about knocking them out," he said, following talk that some of the Argentina squad are still bent on revenge for their country's defeat in the Falklands War of 1982.
"This side are only thinking about winning so we can reach the next round and get more confidence for future games," he added, as Argentina prepared to leave the J Village for Sapporo, where Friday's game will be played.
"There will be lots of emotions and a desperation to win on both sides, maybe even more so for England as I think they will not be OK with a draw - they need to win.
"It's a very important match because England are a great team. They are similar to ourselves as they have good players and they are powerful. I put France and Brazil in the same category.
"But for Argentina, the principle thing is to win and get to the next round as soon as possible. Besides that, I am sure the people in our country will be very happy if we manage to beat England."
Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone agreed with his team-mate that the hype surrounding the match was being overdone.
"I am only interested in playing the match and most of all winning it. It's a game that will be very intense because it's a derby after all that has happened in past World Cups. But it's only that, we can't make mix football with other things."
Simeone was involved in the last great controversy between the sides, when he collapsed in mock agony after a kick from David Beckham at France 98, getting the England star sent off.
But he refused to even discuss the incident on Wednesday. "What happened in 1998 is very far away and I would like it if we could speak about things other than that match in France.
"I understand this is a good game for the press, but sometimes you get tired of listening to the same old things. I don't like to be a monkey for everyone.
"It is important to defeat England, first of all because it would mean we are going in the right direction, then because we would have nearly advanced to the next round and finally because we would give our people a reason for celebrating.
"But we must be careful. If we win against England, that doesn't mean the World Cup is finished. We must keep on working seriously because if we want to get to the final we have to win five more games."