Argentine Coach Says He's Sorry About Beckham's Injury

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Buenos Aires, Apr 12 (EFE).- Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa on Friday said he was sorry about the injury this week to England's David Beckham caused by a foul by Argentine player Aldo Duscher and said he hopes that the Manchester United star will still be able to play in 2002 World Cup Korea-Japan. "I don't want any advantage that comes from the misfortune of someone else. He (Beckham) is a major leaguer, and I will be sorry if he is not able to play (in the World Cup)," Bielsa said, speaking at a press conference. "I would rather have him there since the rivalry is better with a higher-quality opponent," the Argentine coach said. Bielsa said that it is normal that injuries should occur among players who make it to the finals weeks before a World Cup, and that the same has happened to some Argentine players. "During all my time as a coach, there are alway about two or three injuries (at this stage). It is normal that out of 20 or 25 players who go to the finals there are two or three who cannot make it," Bielsa said. The coach added that "with the World Cup around the corner and with the seriousness of Beckham's injury it becomes a bigger deal." England and Argentina are matched in Group F with Sweden and Nigeria for the upcoming World Cup.

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