But Sweden will prove tough opponents. In fighting back to gain a 1-1 draw against England and then coming from a goal down to beat Nigeria 2-1 in their second game, they have proved they have the necessary strength of character to beat anyone.

Another draw, against a team that scored 42 goals in 18 qualifying games, would be enough to send Sweden into the last 16 and Argentina home to Buenos Aires.

A well-organised defence has been the foundation of Sweden's consistent improvement in the last two years while midfielder Freddie Ljungberg and striker Henrik Larsson are two of the best forwards in Europe.

But, in the open bowl of the Miyagi Stadium where high winds played havoc during Saturday's clash between Mexico and Ecuador, Sweden will face an Argentina side desperate to avoid only the third first round exit in their World Cup history.

The teams will adopt contrasting tactical systems, the Swedes sticking with a traditional, if cautious, 4-4-2 system while the Argentines will use a more cavalier 3-3-1-3 line-up with the onus on creativity and attack.

For Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta, defeat would almost certainly spell the end of his international career at 33.

"I don't want this to be my last appearance, I want to stick around longer," said the man who headed Argentina's winner against Nigeria. "We came here to get to the final so, you could say, this is like a final. We have to stand up and be counted."

Argentina coach Manuel Bielsa showed he lacked nothing in courage when he withdrew team captain and playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron at halftime during the 1-0 defeat by England.

Veron is likely to remain on the bench on Wednesday, with the gifted Pablo Aimar, 22, starting in his place as the creative midfield force.

The Swedes, relaxed and realistic, believe they can handle whatever Argentina throw at them.

"After that first 45 minutes against England, we sorted ourselves out and I think we have played three very good halves in succession," said midfielder Niclas Alexandersson.

"I think that means we have a good chance of a result. We know we will have to work very hard and contest everything for 90 minutes. Then we can see how far that takes us."

Probable teams:

Argentina (3-3-1-3): 12-Pablo Cavallero; 4-Mauricio Pochettino, 2-Roberto Ayala, 6-Walter Samuel; 8-Javier Zanetti, 11-Juan Sebastian Veron, 3-Juan Pablo Sorin; 16-Pablo Aimar; 10-Ariel Ortega, 9-Gabriel Batistuta, 18-Kily Gonzalez.

Sweden (4-4-2): 1-Magnus Hedman; 2-Olof Mellberg, 4-Johan Mjallby, 15-Andreas Jakobsson, 16-Teddy Lucic; 7-Niclas Alexandersson, 6-Tobias Linderoth, 8-Anders Svensson, 9-Fredrik Ljungberg; 10-Marcus Allback, 11-Henrik Larsson.

Match referee: Ali Bujsaim (United Arab Emirates)

Linesmen : Heiner Mueller (Germany)

Michael Ragoonath (Trinidad)