BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Diego Maradona has criticized Argentina for its second-place finish in the World Cup, saying the team “did not play at all.”
Maradona starred for Argentina when it won the 1986 World Cup and coached the national team four years ago in South Africa. He says this team led by Lionel Messi should have been winning matches by three goals each time.
Argentina lost to Germany 1-0 in the World Cup final this month in Rio de Janeiro. Maradona’s team in the 2010 World Cup was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Argentina won its first five matches by one goal each time. It reached the final by defeating the Netherlands on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw following extra time.
Maradona spoke late Thursday in connection with a charity soccer match.
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