Martino refutes Argentina links

Paraguay coach Geraldo Martino played down reports linking him with Argentina after the 3-0 loss to Uruguay in the Copa America final.

Argentine Martino impressed greatly in guiding his Paraguay team to Sunday’s final of the South American continental competition.

Despite the defeat by Uruguay in Buenos Aires, Martino has done enough to suggest he may be in line to succeed Sergio Batista as Argentina coach following the hosts’ disappointing quarter-final exit.

Martino, who won a solitary international cap for Argentina as a player, stopped short of ruling himself out of contention, but was paying little heed to the speculation.

“There are only rumours from the media,” Martino said.

“I cannot deny something I did not create. These are rumours that should be denied by those who created them.”

“I am the coach of the Paraguay national team, and there are no changes to that.”

Two goals from Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan and one from Liverpool forward Luis Suarez proved the difference at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti.

And Martino singled out the contribution of the Uruguay front men as the biggest difference between the teams.

“In the first half, Uruguay had more intensity than us,” Martino said.

“Apart from that, they have two very good strikers who made the difference in the match.”

“Uruguay were always predominant. Even when we were attacking in the second half we could feel that Uruguay had the match under control.”

“The goals scored by Uruguay were really good moves, the definition of the Uruguayan attackers is of an extraordinary quality, and that sets the difference.”