Former goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea has pointed to the time spent together by Argentina in recent weeks as the main reason for the dramatic change in fortune for coach Diego Maradona.

The La Albiceleste boss, who has been under fire ever since his appointment in late 2008, saw his team struggle through the qualifying campaign for the World Cup.

They eventually secured their place in South Africa on the final day and have impressed so far in the finals, comfortably winning all three of their Group B games against Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.

Goycochea, an ex-team-mate of his legendary countryman, said: "I think this is because it's only now that Maradona has had a chance to be a full month with the entire squad.

"So this now allows him to connect with the players, understand them and give them his support."

The Argentinians next face Mexico in the last 16 and Goycochea, who played more than 40 times for his country and was the first choice at the 1990 finals where they reached the final, was predicting an easy win.

He continued: "Argentina against Mexico is obviously going to be a very difficult game.

"Mexico are a very good side and will be putting forward their best strategy to beat Argentina, but my heart is telling me Argentina will win 2-0."

Maradona's men are not the only South American country to have excelled at the finals with Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay also through to the next stage.

Chile could join them later today and Goycochea added: "The South Americans have had an amazing record so far, especially not losing any games.

"In terms of the teams, I think Uruguay have improved remarkably after their struggles in the qualifiers.

"Chile and Paraguay are confirming what we all know they can do. They did well in the qualifiers too and here in the World Cup, although they have difficult groups they are showing what South American teams are all about."