South Africa too far … Maradona declares

Maradona is more than aware that his team could miss out on South Africa, and has admitted that "it will be tough and more complicated" to qualify for the 2010 Worl Cup after the devastating defeat to rivals Brazil on Saturday.

Luis Fabiano scored twice as Brazil stunned Argentina in Rosario, qualifying for the World Cup in the process.

After Luisao had opened the scoring, two Luis Fabiano strikes were sandwiched with one from Jesus Datolo, which proved to be a mere consolation. Brazil have thus become the first South American side to qualify for the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

Maradona confirmed that he will continue to be the coach of Argentina and, that such a defeat may be painful but it doesn't "break" him and it gives him more reason "to work hard like crazy" to send Argentina to the World Cup.

"To lose to Brazil is always ugly. We were very motivated about winning and to move closer towards the World Cup. But now we can't sit back because qualifying will be tough," said Maradona, during the press conference after the match.

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