May 16, 2002

VALENCIA, May 16 (DS) -- Argentina national team skipper and Valencia defender Fabian Ayala told in his interview to La Nacion newspaper that the victory in the Spanish championship will increase his self-confidence before the upcoming World Cup like that of Kily Gonzalez and Pablo Aimar.

According to the Argentinean player, Mundial is the major event in the soccer world and Argentina national team will not face any difficulties in the tournament if they display the performance they had during the last two years. At the same time, Ayala underscored that his team-mates will have to do their best to reach the final. The Argentinean skipper believes his team have excellent chances to achieve the tournament for the third time.

"Bielsa managed to form a team with a winning spirit which makes us real lions on pitch," he added.

Daily Soccer