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Aguero eyes Golden Boot

Aguero believes he can top the World Cup scoring charts

Sergio Aguero believes he can emulate the legendary Mario Kempes and win the World Cup Golden Boot in Brazil.

Kempes was the last Argentinian to win the scoring title when he bagged six goals en route to World Cup glory on home soil in 1978.

Diego Maradona, Hernan Crespo and Gabriel Batistuta have all come close since, finishing as Golden Boot runners-up.

The Manchester City striker failed to score when he made his World Cup debut in South Africa four years ago, but after scoring 28 times for his club in an injury-disrupted season, the 26-year-old is confident of bulging the net in Brazil.

"Of course I can win the Golden Boot. It's there to be won," he said in an interview to mark the launch of new Puma boots.

"We could also win the World Cup but it won't be easy."

Former World Cup winner Osvaldo Ardiles too believes his country could win the World Cup and listed Aguero as a key reason they are among the favourites.

He told Fifa.com: "It's true that we haven't made it past the quarter-finals for a while, but Argentina are always contenders.

"I believe that every World Cup is different, but as far as Brazil goes the same holds true: Argentina are one of the sides in with a chance.

"We have the odds on our side and an excellent team, especially the foursome of (Lionel) Messi, (Gonzalo) Higuain, Aguero and (Angel) di Maria, all high-quality players who have excelled for club and country.

"I'd definitely tip Argentina as potential winners... I think they will face Brazil in a dramatic final."

PROBLEMS IN DEFENCE

While the former Spurs man praised Argentina's attackers, he admitted national coach Alejandro Sabella has problems in defence.

He said: "I won't pretend we don't have problems in defence, which is why I think it's excellent that Martin Demichelis has been brought in to give the backline some much-needed experience.

"I hope we can give a strong, united performance because victory only results from everyone playing together. That is what we have to expect from them." - Wire Services.