After day's rest, Argentina sets sights on England
June 5, 2002
NARAHA, Japan -- After a day at the beach or with wives and family, it was back to business for the Argentine squad on Tuesday as it prepared for its second match against archrival England.
Sporting News
Coach Marcelo Bielsa held a training session behind closed doors, and the players said they would approach Friday's match with caution, despite being clear favorites to clinch another three points, and qualification for the second round.
"England, as ever, will never give up and we're expecting a tough game," said Parma midfielder Matias Almeyda. "They're quick and good in the air, but we're trying not to think too much about the opposition and, instead, focus on ourselves.
"But you pay heavily for mistakes at the World Cup, and we must try not to commit any against England."
Gabriel Batistuta scored the winning goal in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Nigeria on Sunday. The result put the heavily-backed South Americans top of Group F. England and Sweden later drew 1-1.
Argentina vs. England is arguably the most eagerly-awaited match of the group stages. In past World Cups, matches between the two nations have produced moments of controversy and brilliance.
Almeyda said the squad would treat the match like any other, and not get carried away by the inevitable hype.
"It's become a classic, but nobody should read too much into it. The sporting aspect has been too clouded by other issues like war," he added, referring to the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and Britain.
"But, for us, this is one of seven games which we need to win if we are to go on and win the World Cup. Nothing more.
"It would no doubt please people back home if we beat England, but we can't afford to think only about this game. We have to focus on going all the way."
Almeyda, who played in Argentina's penalty shooutout victory against England at the 1998 World Cup in France, has been troubled by injury in recent weeks and is most likely to be a substitute on Friday.
He will probably be joined by Glasgow Rangers forward Claudio Caniggia who has been making steady progress in recent days after suffering a knee injury in May in the Scottish Cup final.