Veterans defend Maradona

BUENOS AIRES: World Cup veterans Javier Mascherano and Juan Veron have thrown their support behind embattled Argentina coach Diego Maradona ahead of Saturday's crucial qualifier against Peru.

"Maradona has all our support," Liverpool midfielder Mascherano said on Wednesday at the general headquarters of the Argentine Football Association. "He's the coach and he knows what he is doing."

His comments came a day after Maradona, acknowledged as one of football's greatest ever players, said he may quit as coach if he cannot continue on his terms, even if Argentina qualifies for South Africa 2010.