Simeone singles out Scholes as England's danger man

June 5, 2002

NARAHA, Japan (AP) -- Argentina's Diego Simeone singled out Paul Scholes as England's danger man ahead of Friday's encounter between the two archrivals.

"They play well as a team and we have to be particularly careful about Scholes who often arrives late in the area," Simeone said Wednesday. "He can be a real surprise."

Argentina -- a firm favorite to win the World Cup -- can qualify for the second round with a victory over England. A defeat for Sven Goran Eriksson's men would leave them virtually eliminated.

Simeone, citing England's aerial strength as another major asset, said Argentina would try and impose their own rhythm throughout the game.

"We have to control the game in the middle. That's where the match will be won," he said.

"At the World Cup in 1998, we dominated for 15 minutes, but then England was better for about 20 minutes, and we could have lost the game in that period," he said.

"If it turns into an end-to-end game, it will suit England more than Argentina. We aren't used to playing that way."

Simeone was involved in the clash at France '98 that saw England's David Beckham controversially sent off. Argentina won the match 4-3 on penalties after the score was tied 2-2 after extra time.

But he played down the fact that the two will renew acquaintances on Friday.

"We've played against each other since then," he told reporters. "So, please, let's talk about something else."

Argentina's most capped player with 105 appearances, Simeone missed most of last season with a serious knee ligament injury. He said he was delighted to have recovered in time for the World Cup, and that playing England was a special bonus.

"It's become a special match because of everything that's happened over the years," he said. "It's sure to be tense and the two teams will really want to win.

"If I wasn't playing, I'd relish the chance to even just watch it on television."

Argentine defender Roberto Ayala is almost certainly out of the match having injured a thigh in the warmup for last Sunday's 1-0 victory over Nigeria. Midfielder Juan Pablo Sorin and forward Ariel Ortega also suffered minor knocks during that game, but both are expected to make Friday's lineup.