Former Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta believes his compatriots can take heart from their World Cup performance, despite suffering an agonising quarter-final defeat to Germany.

The hosts' penalty shoot-out win was a bitter blow to Argentina, who had been regarded as one of the favourites, and Batistuta knows what they are going through.

"The guys are sad," he said after visiting the team hotel. "It's not an easy moment for them. I have lived similar moments.

"The only thing they have to ask themselves is if they did their best on the pitch. If the answer is positive, they will feel much better.

"I think they did," he added. "They offered very good football in some moments and I think that what happened on Friday was unfair."

Batistuta has also distanced himself from rumours he will take over as coach following Jose Pekerman's decision to step down, although Argentinian FA president Julio Grondona has yet to accept Pekerman's resignation.

"I don't think something like that will happen with me," said Batistuta.

"There's no coach who sticks out in the group of possible successors. Besides, I think Grondona will try to retain Pekerman. That will be the first step."