May 26, 2002

Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa has sent another clear signal that Hernan Crespo will be his first-choice striker at the World Cup.

Crespo was the starting frontman, relegating Gabriel Batistuta to the bench, when Argentina played a training-ground practice match against a youth team who are helping their preparations.

The 50-minute match also involved a large number of substitutions, and Batistuta - Argentina's all-time record goalscorer - did come on to replace Crespo in the second half.

Bielsa used 21 players in the match, including all three goalkeepers.

Argentina midfielder Marcelo Gallardo played the full game for the opposition, continuing his recovery from injury.

The only squad players not involved were midfielder Matias Almeyda, who did ballwork and is expected to join his team-mates on Monday, and Rangers striker Claudio Caniggia, who was in the gym after feeling pain in his injured knee.

Argentina's first match in the World Cup is against Nigeria in Ibaraki on 2 June.

BBC Sport Online