Argentine media divided on the future

June 13, 2002

BUENOS AIRES, June 13 (AFP) -- Argentine's surprise early elimination from the World Cup has divided opinion in the country's media as some papers wallow in the gloom and others look to the future.

La Nacion on Thursday showed a montage of long-faced players and blasted what it called "the worst performance by an Argentine side in 40 years."

The paper slammed "attacking impotence" and "the absence of a playmaker," asserting that "things will never be the same again - it's time to ring the changes."

Ole quoted Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron as saying that "we owe a debt to those who supported us."

The same paper charged that Argentina "deployed excellent material very badly" because "Argentina have the best players in the world," Ole asserted.

But while bemoaning the team's sudden "loss of identity" Ole said it expected the team to bounce back.

"There is no better future than being faithful to one's glorious footballing past," opined the journal, keen to turn the page in the inglorious present.