S America can't catch Europe: Maradona
Monday, 28 June 2010
PRETORIA, June 27 (AFP): Argentina coach Diego Maradona believes South America will never catch up with Europe despite the continent's stunning success at the World Cup in South Africa.
South America had five representatives in the competition and all five made it to the knock-out stages, with four of them winning their groups.
Meanwhile European heavyweights Italy and France were not only knocked out but also finished bottom of groups including such minnows as New Zealand and hosts South Africa.
Even so, the club game in Europe is so much stronger and there is so much more money in competitions like the Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, that Maradona believes South America will always lag behind.
South America had five representatives in the competition and all five made it to the knock-out stages, with four of them winning their groups.
Meanwhile European heavyweights Italy and France were not only knocked out but also finished bottom of groups including such minnows as New Zealand and hosts South Africa.
Even so, the club game in Europe is so much stronger and there is so much more money in competitions like the Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, that Maradona believes South America will always lag behind.