Maradona's Argentina to play Russia in Moscow friendly

MOSCOW, May 12 (RIA Novosti) - It is "almost 100%" certain that the Argentinean national football side, managed by Diego Maradona, will play a friendly against Russia in Moscow in August.

"Maradona is ready and very willing to take on the Russian side in Moscow. I can give an almost 100% guarantee that the match will take place on August 12," Maradona's spokesman told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

He added that a number of financial issues remained to be cleared up before the match could be confirmed.

Football legend Maradona, 48, became Argentina's trainer in November 2008, despite having had very little previous managerial experience. After leading the side to victories in his first three games in charge, Argentina were beaten 6-1 away to Bolivia in April in a 2010 World Cup qualifier.