The big game in Sapporo draws extra security

June 6, 2002

SAPPORO, Japan (AP) -- Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa forecasts an intense match that has "the potential for greatness."

What else should we expect from Argentina vs. England in the World Cup?

Argentina, a favorite to win its third world title, can clinch a place in the second round by beating England on Friday night. A defeat would leave the English on the brink of elimination.

More than 7,000 police officers -- both riot troops and plainclothesmen -- are being dispatched to Sapporo as a precaution against possible hooligan violence. Officers will have netguns and hand-held water cannons. A citywide ban in alcohol is being considered.

Bielsa is concentrating only on soccer. And victory.

"The game is of interest solely in terms of us winning," he said. "Whatever happens to England is not of interest to us."

Bielsa, rarely drawn into debates over rival players or the hype surrounding games, acknowledged the stakes would be high Friday.

"This isn't just another game," he said. "It's one that carries a lot of history with it, and we won't be ignoring that.

"I expect a very intense game. We expect the players will have to run many more meters, and at a faster pace. It will be one of great power, and has the potential for greatness."

Bielsa expects to field the same lineup, with one change, that beat Nigeria 1-0. Kily Gonzalez will replace Claudio Lopez on the left wing. But key defender Roberto Ayala will miss his second consecutive match, He strained his thigh in the warmup before the Nigeria game.

Veteran Gabriel Batistuta, who scored the goal against Nigeria, will again lead Argentina's strike force, aiming to add to his total of 10 goals in three World Cups.

Bielsa said he was optimistic that Ariel Ortega and Juan Pablo Sorin, who provide balance on offense and defense, will be fit.

"They have not been able to train normally for the last three days, but in principle the possibility that they will play is good," he said.

Ortega plays wide on the right, and his dribbling and creativity are vital to the team. He has scored 17 times for Argentina in 82 games.

Left midfielder Sorin, who is nursing a calf injury, would most likely mark England captain David Beckham.

Beckham played for the first time in seven weeks in England's 1-1 tie with Sweden. He broke his foot in a Champions League game in April.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson isn't sure Beckham will last 90 minutes; he played 60 against Sweden.

"I wished I could say yes," Eriksson said Thursday of Beckham going the distance. "But of course I can't tell you that today. He's going to start, that's for sure. Then I hope he can run and that his foot is OK for 90 minutes. But only the game tomorrow will prove that.

Argentina-England is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, and has often produced moments of greatness -- and controversy.

In 1986, Diego Maradona scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal in Argentina's 2-1 World Cup win over England. His second goal in that game recently was voted goal of the century by FIFA. Argentina went on to win the title that year.

At France '98, Argentina again knocked out England, winning a penalty-kick shootout 4-3 after a game in which Beckham was controversially ejected early in the second half.

In addition, bitter feelings persist in both countries over the Falkland Islands War, a 10-week battle in 1982 that left more than 700 Argentines and 200 English soldiers dead.