JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) — Mexico coach Javier Aguirre angrily denounced his army of critics yesterday for insisting his team will be steam-rollered into submission by Diego Maradona’s Argentina in today’s World Cup last-16 clash.

Wearing a baseball cap low over his face, the 51-year-old Aguirre was in defiant mood ahead of the round of 16, which has traditionally been a graveyard for Mexican hopes with the national team exiting at this stage in the last four World Cups.

“I don’t think what they have been writing in Mexico is right — just because we are going to play against Argentina, doesn’t mean that everything is going to be wrong,” said Aguirre.

Four years ago, Argentina knocked Mexico out 2-1 after extra time while, in 2002, it was the USA who beat them 2-0 in the second round.

Germany downed them 2-1 at France 1998 after Bulgaria had knocked them out 3-1 on penalties at USA 1994.

The last time Mexico made the quarter-finals was when they hosted the tournament in 1986. They lost 4-1 on penalties to eventual finalists West Germany.

With Argentina starting as favourites for the match at Johannesburg’s Soccer City, Aguirre acknowledged his side’s status as underdogs.

“Argentina are the favourites, but we have 90 minutes to try and change history,” he said.

When asked if his team were motivated by revenge after their defeat to Argentina four years ago at the same stage, Aguirre was dismissive.

“We don’t need any kind of motivation, both teams want to go to the quarter-finals,” he said.

“They are the favourites by far and no-one gives us any chance, so we will have to see what happens. We know what we want and we know no-one is betting their bottom dollar on us. Analysts say we are dead and gone, we will have to wait and see.”

Aguirre gave nothing away when asked if Arsenal striker Carlos Vela will start, saying: “He is in good shape and is available.”

Maradona has said he hopes Mexico’s talented Argentinian-born forward Guillermo Franco stays on the bench, but again Aguirre did not waste words.

“Everyone should mind his own team, I have enough problems with my own,” he snapped.

The only time he relaxed was when asked about his friendship with Maradona.

“We played against each other, he is a great friend and a great coach. He has come to see me in Madrid. I will give him a hug when I see him and I am going to wish him luck,” said Aguirre.

Argentina are supremely confident after three group stage wins, while Mexico lost to Uruguay in their last group match.

“But you can’t criticise this team,” said Aguirre. “They will go into this game with courage and they are going to fight.”

Aguirre brought the proceedings to an abrupt close when he was asked about his state of mind and in an agitated manner he answered: “My state of mind is that I want to beat Argentina,” before making a sharp exit.