Masch on Argentina preparation

Javier Mascherano believes Argentina's decision to escape the media frenzy and touch down in South Africa almost two weeks before the start of the World Cup will prove to be a wise one.

La Albiceleste arrived at a training base in Pretoria on Saturday, despite not starting their Group B campaign until June 12 when they tackle Nigeria.

However, Mascherano insists being away from the press spotlight in their homeland will serve Argentina well in the build up to the tournament.

"All the madness and anxiety that the World Cup generated in Argentina didn't give us the privacy that we needed," he said.

"That is why we believed it was better to arrive here, be together and not only prepare the training sessions but to be part of the atmosphere inside the group."

Argentina head into the tournament as one of the favourites and Mascherano claims confidence is high within Diego Maradona's squad.

"We could not be any better," added the Liverpool midfielder.

"We have a fantastic group and everybody shares the same enthusiasm from the first to the 23rd player in the squad."

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