May 31, 2002

First of all, I'm sorry about the total lack of reporting from Argie Land on the build-up. Unfortunately I'm just so busy at work at the moment

This week has been like being on a media rollercoaster. It's been a frenzy of Cavallero/Burgos, Claudio/Kily and -dare I say - Bati/Crespo. Especially Bati/Crespo. At the beginning of the week, everyone was sure Bati would start, by the middle of the week, everyone's money was on Crespo (I felt sick and had trouble sleeping!). Now everyone thinks Bati will start. Only one thing seems to be certain - the only person who knows who's going to start is Bielsa and he's not saying anything yet!!!! There's a press conference tomorrow when all will be revealed.

The overwhelming opinion here is that Bati is the man. Well, we KNEW that!!!! He's got amazing public support. In Japan, he is the most requested figure by the press and is definitely the symbol of the team. Most of the talking heads on all the sports shows are in favour of him and believe his presence alone outshines the younger but nevertheless experienced Crespo.

Bati was interviewed on tv, most of which has already been reported below. But he didn't look overly-friendly at the start - perhaps there's one particular journalist who annoys him - but he managed a smile or two to another of the pack. Mind you, I'd be a bit peeved if I had 50 microphones shoved up my nose!

The team atmosphere is still friendly toward the press and I haven't seen any of the kind of weird team stories that circulated before France 98. They must have some interview rotation cos we see various players every day. But the tension is definitely mounting.....

So Sunday morning at 0230 here I'll be glued to the tv along with the rest of Argentina for the game against Nigeria. I've already got butterflies and it's still only Friday. I'll be a basket case by the time the match starts!!!!

Christine
in Argentina