Argentina coach Diego Maradona once again took centre stage after his weakened team overcame a ruthlessly defensive Greece 2-0 to ensure top spot in Group B and a second consecutive last-16 meeting with Mexico.

Maradona criticised Greece for their rough treatment of talisman Lionel Messi in particular. He said: “The famous fair play doesn’t exist here. We talk about fair play but there is no fair play. Every time Lionel had the ball they brought him down.

 

“What are we playing at? Take out the yellow card to the third player who hits Messi and you’ll see that defenders don’t hit him anymore. Why didn’t the referee do that? It’s in the regulations, man.”

Despite Maradona making seven changes to his starting line-up, Argentina were back in flowing form in the closing stages as the Greeks lost heart and energy.

But the coach has tried to dampen fast-rising expectations, citing Brazil as the tournament favourites.

He added: “Now the road gets more difficult. You always hear about Germany, Italy, Brazil playing poorly, but they’re always in the second round, quarters, semi-finals and the final.

“Brazil can play badly but still win games. That’s why they are still the great favourites.”