May 24, 2002

Maradona and Caniggia played together in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

And the former Argentine hero believes Caniggia still has what it takes to destroy the world's best defences.

"His experience can be decisive, so I believe he should start the games," Maradona told the Ole newspaper.

"Cani has always kept the holy fire of an extraordinary forward.

"And when he asks to receive the ball the goal is half-scored already, because with his experience he is lethal.

"Of course Cani has lost some of his pace, but after all these years he has gained a lot in combativity and intelligence."

Coach Marcelo Bielsa has not yet decided who will form Argentina's attack in the first match of the World Cup against Nigeria.

If fit, Caniggia will fight for a place with River Plate's Ariel Ortega and Valencia's Pablo Aimar.

But the biggest battle will be between strikers Hernan Crespo and Gabriel Batistuta.

Crespo started Thursday's friendly against Japanese side Kashima Antlers, but Batistuta - who scored four goals in a 5-1 win - was the star of the game.

BBC Sport Online