Argentines fume at Chilaverts mind games

BUENOS AIRES, June 9 (AFP)

Two-times champions Argentina were in a lather Tuesday after media reports that Paraguays eccentric keeper Jose Luis Chilavert had been giving their group rivals Japan tips for Sundays showdown in Toulouse. "I am going to give the Japanese some secrets -- the Argentines, they wont see,"  Chilavert told a Japanese television station, blissfully unaware that Argentinian station Telefe Noticias had picked up his comments and broadcast them. Buenos Aires newspaper Cronica hit out at the Paraguayan, claiming he was "doing everything to make things tough for our team." Cronica said: "Not content with showing his boxing skills off to reporters, it appears he is now enrolling as a spy." The hot-tempered Chilavert was in trouble recently for an altercation with an Argentinian television journalist. In fact the Paraguayan only told the Japanese what they probably already know. "I would say to the Japanese they should look out for (Ariel) Ortega, because he loves to shoot as soon as he gets into the penalty box. They must be careful because hes a guy who shoots a lot."  And he added: "Argentinas problem is in midfield. Their players dont go for pressing much and they dont like it when opponents stick too close to them. Japan has good players and should put them under pressure." Chilavert, who sees himself as one of the best if not THE best goalkeeper in the world, said he was not impressed with Argentinas keepers either. "They always give rebounds .. not like Chilavert. They allow rebounds but I dont as otherwise the strikers would score goals against me." Argentine sports daily Ole ticked Chilavert off and said he must be dreaming if he had thought his words wouldnt be seen in Argentina. "Come off it Chila, its almost 2000. Internet, fibre optics, teleconferences, satellites ..."  the paper commented. Clarins sports editor Nestor Straimel warned the Japanese that Chilavert was renowned for speaking with a forked tongue and remarked acidly that he was possibly trying to impress the Japanese as "his dream isto go to this country to top up his bank account."  And Straimel told the Japanese to look out. "They shouldnt get too enthusiastic about what Chilavert says-tomorrow he might start advising the Argentinians about Japans supposed weaknesses.Things can change that easily."

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