Embattled Argentina coach Diego Maradona promised to fight on despite losing 1-0 on Wednesday at Paraguay,a result that qualified Paraguay for South Africa 2010 and left Argentina in real danger of missing their first World Cup since 1970. Nelson Valdez scored in the 27th minute from a slick passing move. The loss was Argentinas fourth in their last five qualifiers and was sure to turn even more heat on Maradona. Maradona said after a 3-1 loss to Brazil on Saturday that he would not resign. As long as I have a drop of blood left,I will fight to get Argentina qualified, said Maradona,captain of the countrys 1986 World Cup winning team. Were not out of the World Cup, he added. Im not afraid of criticism. Im not afraid of anybody. Im going to continue no matter who criticises me. Brazil striker Nilmar scored a hat-trick to lead his under-strength team to a 4-2 win over Chile. Brazil,who have already qualified,played just well enough to beat the Chileans. European champions Spain and rejuvenated England booked their places with two games to spare. Spain through Cesc Fabregas,Santi Cazorla and Juanma Mata earned the goals that clinched Spains 3-0 victory over Estonia and top spot in Europes Group 5. England secured their place in South Africa next June with a 5-1 victory over Croatia,the team which stopped them reaching the 2008 European Championship. 1998 World Cup winners France might miss out on a major tournament after a second straight draw. Group 7 leaders Serbia held the French to 1-1 in Belgrade to leave them trailing by four points with two matches to go. Portugal could also be relying on capturing second place and a playoff,although the side boosted their chances by leaving Hungary with a 1-0 win. World champions Italy enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Bulgaria to leave them needing only a draw in Ireland next month to qualify.
