Argentina defender Nicolas Burdisso has told his team-mates that winning their World Cup opener against the Super Eagles of Nigeria matters far more than their performance.

JUBILATION ••• Super Eagles players jubilate after scoring a goal

Despite struggling to qualify, Argentina remain among the favourites as they are two-time winners and the best is yet to come from their star-studded side.

The Albiceleste kick off their campaign against Nigeria on Saturday before facing Greece and South Korea in their other Group B games.

A 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast set Argentina on course to top the ‘group of death’ in Germany four years ago, and Burdisso insists it is vital they get off to a winning start again in South Africa.

“I give more value to starting the tournament with a win than to playing well,” he said.“There is a lot of anxiety and to start with a win would mean a lot to us.

“We must win our first game and although it will be difficult, we have to know that a good result is all that matters.”
Argentina boast the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito in their squad but coach Diego Maradona

is yet to find a system that brings the best out of all his stars.Burdisso accepts many see the South Americans as potential winners but insists they must take one game at a time if they are to reach their peak in South Africa.
“There is no question we are candidates to win the tournament,” he added.

“We have very strong players in the team but that doesn’t mean anything.“We must win our first game against Nigeria and then draw some conclusions.”