Soccer: Batistuta edging closer to record

NARAHA - Argentina's Gabriel Batistuta has the cup scoring record in his sights after giving the favourites the ideal start against Nigeria, and England must now stop him to keep their own chances on track.

Argentina's 1-0 win over Nigeria courtesy of a second-half Batistuta headed goal has left them top of the fearsome group F after England and Sweden shared a 1-1 draw.

Twice-winners Argentina next play England on Friday.

Batistuta has an Argentine record 10 strikes, four short of German Gerd Mueller's tournament best, and with potentially six matches left in this campaign, has a golden chance to beat it.

His main focus after the win, though, was simply that Argentina had three points in the bag.

"I feel nothing special," he said, looking ahead to the showdown with England in Sapporo. "It's just nice to play against teams such as England, Brazil and Italy. It's one of the great classics of world football.

"Luckily I've been able to score in every opening match of the World Cups I've played in," added Batistuta, who hit a hat-trick on his World Cup debut against Greece in the United States in 1994 and the winner in a 1-0 victory over Japan in France four years ago.

Batistuta was replaced 10 minutes from time by Hernan Crespo, his rival for the central striker's position.

"I was quite tired and feeling a bit of cramp. The objective was to win by whatever means, first by playing well," Batistuta said.

He brushed off suggestions that the victory and France's shock defeat to Senegal made Argentina bigger favourites, adding: "There are seven steps on the ladder; there are six left, we're climbing."

Coach Marcelo Bielsa was also satisfied - if not ecstatic - after the win, especially after losing skipper Roberto Ayala to a thigh injury picked up during the pre-match warm-up.

- REUTERS

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