Di Maria raises hopes of return for final

Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Argentina winger Angel Di Maria raised hopes of being fit for Sunday`s World Cup final by returning to training.

The Real Madrid player suffered a thigh injury during the Albiceleste`s 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Belgium July 5, Xinhua reported Saturday. Argentina team doctor Daniel Martinez was cautiously optimistic about the 26-year-old`s chances of recovering in time for the decider against Germany at Rio`s Maracana stadium. "His is one of the lighter muscle injuries that you could have," Martinez was quoted saying by the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper. Argentina`s squad was due to travel from its World Cup base in Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro Saturday morning. Both teams will train at the Maracana Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile Argentina coach Alejandra Sabella said Friday he would leave his post after the World Cup, regardless of Sunday`s result.