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In the first Group C match at Hamburg's AOL Arena stadium, Argentina defeated the championship debutants, the Ivory Coast football players. The head coaches of both teams had different moods after the match.
The head coach of the Argentine national team, Jose Pekerman, admits that it was a tough game. "It was difficult to play against them. This is the toughest group of all, but we are prepared for it."
"Argentina's national team is currently going through a process of rejuvenation, a change of generations, but at the same time, confidence is growing. There is a great spirit in the team. This is the main thing, but we need to be realistic and play well."
The team captain, Juan Pablo Sorin, added, "I liked our approach, we always tried to believe in ourselves, to fight. We showed a good attitude. We lacked a bit of midfield play, then we got tired, but the team worked well. It is very important to win the first match."
Hernan Crespo, who scored Argentina's first goal, said, "Such a start, like ours, is very good."
Meanwhile, the head coach of the Ivory Coast, Henri Michel, said he was disappointed and blamed the lack of experience among the players.
"I am, of course, disappointed. I think we paid for our inexperience. After conceding one goal, it is very important not to concede another. But the way we played - we allowed them to score another and crucify us," says the Frenchman.
