Milito surprised by strange World Cup

Argentina forward Diego Milito on Friday described the World Cup as strange and admitted he has been surprised at some of the results.

France and Italy, the finalists from the 2006 World Cup, have already bitten the dust while England, Germany and Spain all reached their final games with their passage to the knock-out stages in doubt.

And while Argentina cruised through their group with three wins out of three, even they could have gone out had they lost significantly in their final match against Greece.

Ahead of their second round clash with Mexico on Sunday, Milito spoke of his shock.

“It’s a World Cup of surprises, I was surprised that Italy were knocked out in the first round,” said Inter Milan striker Milito.

“France, too, with their great players. It’s a fairly strange World Cup but the South American teams are having a good competition.”

Given his first start in the tournament, Milito had a frustrating time in the 2-0 win over Greece before being replaced by Martin Palermo despite coming into the competition off the back of a stunning season with the Italian champions.

“It’s difficult to explain. At Inter I played many games up front but the other day it was very difficult due to the Greeks’ tactical plan,” he said.

“But I’m working hard every day, I’m at peace with myself. Sometimes things go well, sometimes not, that’s the key.”

Four years ago Argentina also played Mexico and won thanks to a Maxi Rodriguez goal.

Now the Liverpool winger is dreaming of repeating the feat.

“That’s a great memory but the victory of the team is the most important memory,” he said.

“But that game is history now and we’re playing against a different team that is playing well.”