May 12, 2002

Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes the current team can win the World Cup.

Maradona, whose superb performances helped the side achieve their last victory in 1986, is adamant that Marcelo Bielsa's squad will end the 16-year-drought.

"The young players aren't simply promising any more," said Maradona.

"They are real players."

"The players are in good shape to win it, and if they do it will bring a lot of happiness to people who have suffered very much," he added.

"And these players are playing in Spain and Italy and other European countries so they have a lot of experience. I just hope they can show in Japan what they have shown in qualifying."

BBC Sport Online