Brazil's Kaka wants Argentina to qualify for World Cup

The former Milan playmaker says that without their South American cousins qualifying for next year's World Cup, it will not be the same.

Argentina are now in danger of not qualifying for next year's World Cup, and Brazil star Kaka says that the tournament will not be the same if the Selecao's fiercest rivals miss out.

Having been defeated 3-1 on the weekend, the team coached by Diego Maradona now face not qualifying for the sport's pinnacle since 1970.

Kaka said that his team did their part, and qualified for the tournament, but believes that Argentina deserve to be there.

"A World Cup without Argentina isn't good," the new Real Madrid signing said to ANSA.it.

"We did our part and qualified. Of course it is good that they lost, but it will make me happier if they were there, no jokes.

"We won, but in the World Cup, the best teams from all over the world need to be there."

Argentina current sit in fourth place with 22 points, five points away from Chile and Paraguay, and Colombia are behind them on 20 points. The top four automatically qualify for next year's event, with fifth place going into a two-legged qualification.

Meanwhile, reports say that pressure is mounting on the future Argentina coach, Diego Maradona.

There are calls for Diego to be sacked amid fears of failing to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.

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Diego Maradona's tenure as Argentina coach is coming under increasing strain with reports from Argentina suggesting that popular support for the 1986 World Cup winning captain is waning.

According to a report in Spanish publication AS, 65 per cent of Argentinians believe it's time Maradona left as their nation's qualification remains in limbo.

With Ecuador and Colombia both set to play before Argentina play Paraguay in Asuncion on Wednesday, there is a strong possibility the albiceleste will be in sixth place, and out of the qualification places before the game begins.

Maradona acknowledged that Argentina's predicament rests squarely on his shoulders saying, "The responsibility is solely and exclusively mine."

Former Boca Juniors striker Jose Sanfillipo is among those calling for El Pelusa to resign.

"Maradona knows nothing, he is useless. He should pack his bags urgently. Argentina are a disaster," he said.

Former Paraguay stopper, Jose Luis Chilavert has joined the debate too suggesting Lionel Messi cannot reproduce his Barcelona form with Maradona's side.

"Argentina haven't found their best team. Messi is a god in Europe but can't do it here," he added.