Passarella slams Copa standards

Passarella vowed that the Argentinians, who face Peru today in the quarters, would strive to boost the standard of the competition.

But he warned that as the event moved into the latter stages, “the examinations get more difficult and it becomes difficult for the favourites to meet expectations.” He added he had a great deal of respect for the Peruvians.

Passarella admitted his side had “lacked a bit of shape” in the first phase. But he pointed out that he had brought a young and inexperienced side with the Copa taking place slap bang in the middle of the South American qualifying campaign for next year’s World Cup in France.

Asked if he agreed Brazil and Bolivia were the favourites to win the Copa, Passarella replied that he believed “we can get to the final.”

If Argentina beat Peru, they are scheduled to clash Headon with archrivals Brazil, who play Paraguay tomorrow at Santa Cruz, in the semi-finals.

The other matches see Bolivia play Colombia — needless to say, at La Paz — while Ecuador square up to Mexico in Cochabamba.

Brazilian coach Mario Zagallo said his favourites would be treating the Paraguayans, who qualified as one of the two best third-placed teams, with the “utmost respect.”

Zagallo was keeping quiet on the details of his line-up, but confirmed that Ze Maria of Real Madrid would be playing on the right flank in place of the suspended Cafu.

Super striker Ronaldo, who has signed a five-year multi million-dollar deal with Inter Milan, is furthermore set to continue his partnership with Romario, despite being substituted against Colombia.

Zagallo explained that his men, are hoping to land Brazil’s fifth Copa title and were prepared for Paraguay gameplan. “They are a solid team and will be tough to beat. You can see that from their first phase results,” said Zagallo. “But keep our eye fixed firmly on our sole aim here, which is to win the Copa.”