Maxi Rodriguez, whose two goals kickstarted Argentina’s scintillating 6-0 win over Serbia & Montenegro, has warned his teammates to focus on their next match.
Rodriguez’s brace, along with goals from Esteban Cambiasso, Hernan Crespo, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi, capped what will go down as one of the great World Cup performances.
But he warned: “It was an incredible performance. But we have to win our next game too and top the group.”
Manager Jose Pekerman said: “I cannot remember when we last played as well.
“We were on a roll after the first two goals and it is clear we have a great team.”
Argentina can complete a 100 per cent record with victory over Holland next week.
And, to complete a wonderful day for Argentina, teenage prodigy Messi came through unscathed after making his return from a thigh injury.
“I am happy because we played well. I wanted to play some minutes and am pleased to have scored,” said the 18-year-old.
Pekerman added: “It is a joy for us to see Lionel back as he is capable of doing special things.”
Pekerman’s joy was shared by Messi’s teammates.
“I think Messi did a good job today,” said the Argentinian midfielder Juan Román Riquelme.
“I’m glad he didn’t suffer pains, because we knew he had an injured leg. Every time he comes on to the pitch we enjoy watching him play.
“We are very happy with the match we played and we have the intention of improving further,” he added. “I think we are now keeping a rather high level.”
Meanwhile Cambiasso, who finished a 24-pass move to score the goal of the tournament, said the result had given the players plenty of confidence for the challenges ahead.
“This is a very good group,” said the midfielder.
“But this team is solid. It couldn’t have gone better but we’re full of confidence and looking forward now.”
