"Everything is OK," Maradona said after a workout at the University of Pretoria, praising players several times and even yelling a profanity in surprised pleasure rather than anger.
Maradona, Argentina's all-time FIFA World Cup scoring leader who turns 50 in October, can afford to adopt a mellow attitude after the Albiceleste's 4-1 victory over South Korea on Thursday all but assured his team a last-16 berth.
Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi, the maestro named 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year, set up a hat-trick for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain to spark the Argentina triumph.
Maradona was hugging his players so much after the South Korea victory that he joked about it after the match, but
Argentina captain Javier Mascherano said Maradona was just showing a joyful side not always displayed outside the team.
"I think always that is the way Maradona normally behaves," said Mascherano. "He also embraces us away from the TV cameras and this is important. Of course the hugs are very positive because they bring victories."
Everything is OK.Diego Maradona, Argentina coach
After Argentina struggled to escape South American qualifying, many were ready to dump the blame on the shoulders of Maradona, who led Argentina to their most recent of two FIFA World Cup triumphs, in 1986. But don't cry for him, Argentina. Supporters adore where the hefty hugger has guided them now.
Argentina's pressing of the attack with midfield support helps Messi and Higuain, Mascherano said, but also
benefits the back line by keeping rivals from pushing their men forward in order to better defend the challenge.
"Forget about what many people said or believe," said the 26-year-old midfielder. "Argentina is putting many people in the attack and from the middle of the field forward is very dangerous.
"If we attack with many players, really it's good for us because if you put four or five players from the middle of the field forward, the other team has to put more people and is attacking with less players."
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