Jon Brodkin
The Guardian
Argentines are keen to impress with World Cup qualifiers looming
Kevin Keegan clearly believes David Beckham can run a football match more smoothly than he ran last week's impromptu babysitting service and there will be few better chances to find out than tonight. Argentina's midfield is not one in which Dennis Wise could expect to find a slot. As if the bite of Diego Simeone and the brilliant skills of Juan Veron were not enough, just in front of the Lazio pair lurks the mesmerising Ariel Ortega of Parma. If Beckham shines, Keegan can afford a broad grin.
At the moment one senses it is Argentina who are beaming. Simeone believes Beckham is at his best on the right flank. The coach Marcelo Bielsa sounded grateful not to be facing a barrage of his crosses.
"We analysed Beckham with his ability to influence games from the right," he said. "We are well aware of his capacity for putting in great crosses. We have not seen him in this central role but I'm sure he will adapt."
Tactics aside, what particularly astounds the Argentines is the scorn poured on the Manchester United player by his fellow countrymen. "The most important thing is that Beckham is a great player," Ortega said. "I don't understand why such a player should receive criticism like he has done since France. In the modern tactical world you need talented players who can unlock defences and do something special, give fantasy."
Fantasy is central to Bielsa's philosophy.
Argentina remain largely unchanged from that night in St Etienne but the tactics have altered since he replaced Daniel Passarella last year. He prefers a greater emphasis on attack. If Argentina have a weakness it is arguably in goal, where German Burgos is seen as unpredictable. The Mallorca player is short of match practice having been given a long ban in Spain for punching an opponent.
Argentina, who won 2-0 in Spain in their last match three months ago, will be keen to impress before their World Cup qualifiers start next month.
Gabriel Batistuta must be looking forward to his return to Wembley having scored there against Arsenal in the Champions League in October. He has also scored against United this season and hinted that this country might see more of him next. He is learning English and says he would like to come to the Premiership.
Boca Juniors are keen to take him home, but he prefers the sound of United. "It is the best team in the world and as well as being a cool club they have always been looking for me."
