Soccer: Argentines refuse to consider defeat

MIYAGI - Argentina refuse to contemplate a premature World Cup funeral in their decisive group F match against Sweden tonight.

The pre-tournament favourites must beat the Swedes to ensure they progress to the second round from a tough pool often referred to as the "Group of Death".

Having made a good start with a 1-0 win over Nigeria but then losing 1-0 to England, Argentina find themselves in third place, one point behind both Sweden and England with one match to go.

"I don't even look at my suitcases," said forward Ariel Ortega, summing up the mood of confidence among the Argentines.

Gabriel Batistuta said that if Argentina's well-organised attacking style failed them, they would have to grind out a victory by sheer guts.

Some of the more established players in the team have not been firing on all cylinders, notably Juan Sebastian Veron in Argentina's loss to England.

The biggest question mark over the team to be fielded by coach Marcelo Bielsa is whether Veron has a place in it, in a deeper midfield role behind gifted Pablo Aimar. If so, that could mean dropping Diego Simeone.

Bielsa said he had yet to finalise his lineup.

"This is my most important match as manager," he said, but predicted that Argentina would get the necessary three points.

Remarkably, since both sides have a strong World Cup pedigree with Argentina winning the crown twice and Sweden playing in the 1958 final, they have met only once in the finals - 68 years ago.

Sweden won the first round match at the 1934 World Cup in Italy 3-2, causing the immediate elimination of a below-strength Argentine side.

The Swedes, top of the group on goals scored after a 1-1 draw with England followed by a 2-1 win over Nigeria, will be looking to repeat that outcome, but a draw would be enough to see them through.

Sweden should be unchanged from the team that beat Nigeria in Kobe. Attacking midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg is expected to play despite some pain from a lingering hip injury.

His partnership with striker Henrik Larsson is largely responsible for Sweden's position at the top of the group.

* Having already overcome the cynical and intimidating tactics of Argentina, England defender Danny Mills said his team would have to beware a "wounded animal" called Nigeria.

To reach the second round, England just need to avoid a defeat tonight against the Nigerians, who have already been eliminated.

That, said Mills, made them more dangerous. He said they would not simply roll over and hand England the three points.

"They have got a lot of pride to play for and they do not want to leave the competition without a win.

"They can go out and play more relaxed and play without fear.

"Sometimes that can be a dangerous thing."

The win over Argentina restored confidence in the English camp, he said.

Captain David Beckham said England would treat Nigeria like world champions.

"This one is just as important, if not more important than the Argentina game, because if we slip up now it would be absolutely ridiculous.

"We've got to go into this game as if we're playing the world champions."

Nigeria's star striker, Nwankwo Kanu, is likely to miss the game after aggravating an injury to his left foot in training. The Arsenal striker said he wanted to play "but I can't take the risk".

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Points tables
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles