Posted by ESPN.com
Messi back training with team: The Buenos Aires Herald reported today that "the whole country gave a sigh of relief as forward Lionel Messi trained this morning along with the rest of the team a day before a defining match against the Germans." Messi had suffered what was called alternately a cold and "a slight flu" that kept him off the field Thursday. But today, he was back with the team training, which the paper said meant he "is now confirmed in tomorrow's match in which all bets are off."
Do not underestimate Maradona, Beckenbauer warns: German football legend Franz Beckenbauer expressed his amazement today at the criticism of coach Diego Maradona that has come mainly from three-time World Cup winner Pele. Beckenbauer -- whom Maradona is attempting to emulate in winning the World Cup both as a player and as a coach -- said he disagreed with Pele's claim Thursday that Maradona's previously troubled private life would affect his squad. "Above all, one must not underestimate [Maradona]," said Beckenbauer, who won the 1974 World Cup as a player and in 1990 -- against a Maradona-captained Argentina -- as coach. "He was an exceptional player and nobody is entitled to give him lessons on football. What's more, his players are ready to march through fire for him." Beckenbauer told Bild that he was also not impressed by midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger's goading of the Argentinians. "They were maybe not very intelligent remarks," Beckenbauer said of Schweinsteiger's comments.
Maradona: God wants Argentina in final: Another day, another Maradona-ism. Goal.com reports that while filming a piece for Argentine TV's Canal 13, Maradona was placed with a group of young fans who said, with cameras rolling: "Diego, we want to be in the final. Hopefully, this dream can be made true for us." To which a smiling Maradona replied: "Take it easy, kids. I will see you at the final. If God wishes it, I will see you in the final. And God wishes it." He went on to say his father, Diego Sr., would travel to South Africa if Argentina reaches the final even though "the old man told me he has a few health problems." He also announced unequivocally that "Demichelis is starting," then said he's not sure who will partner him in central defense. "Samuel or Burdisso? We are still analysing all the options."