Seaman relishing chance for revenge against Argentina

December 1, 2001

LONDON, Dec 1 (AFP) - England goalkeeper David Seaman said he was relishing a "great chance for revenge" after Sven-Goran Eriksson's men were picked in the same group as Argentina in the World Cup draw in South Korea on Saturday.

Any hopes England may have had of a comfortable passage to the quarter-finals soon disappeared at the glittering ceremony in Pusan as the balls revealed Group F to include England, favourites Argentina, Eriksson's home country Sweden and unpredictable Africans Nigeria.

Arsenal stopper Seaman claimed the draw would represent the perfect opportunity for England to avenge their controversial exit to Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals - the same game David Beckham received his infamous sending off.

Seaman, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, told the BBC: "It's not bad is it? I can't wait to get my shoulder better and then to get out there for the World Cup.

"As for Argentina, it's a great chance for revenge after what happened at the last World Cup, I'm sure David Beckham will be very happy with it.

"We have to look forward to these games, we had a great feeling after the Germany game and then we managed to qualify against Greece - now we've got to take our chance."

Former England stars Ray Clemence and Kenny Samson said Eriksson's men had been dealt the worst hand in the draw. Clemence, now England's goalkeeping coach, could not believe Argentina and Sweden ended up in the same group. He told Sky Sports: "You've got to play them (Argentina) sometimes, you may as well play them early on.

"Getting Sweden is amazing. Everyone was saying Germany but it's the next best thing - Sven's home country."

"It's probably the toughest group, we'll just have to play well - as simple as that.

"But we've got plenty of good players. I'm sure Owen and Beckham will relish facing Argentina again though.

"In the last World Cup we certainly know that we matched them, although they are a quality side."

England's first game will see them face Sweden, whom they have not beaten since 1968, but Clemence claimed that would suit Eriksson. He added: "He'll be happy to be playing Sweden in the first game, Sven will know everything about them. That's the way he'll want it.

"You look at that group and think it will definitely go to the last game.

"Sweden are a very disciplined side and don't give much away, it might be a game of few opportunities and we just have to make sure we stick one of them away. We experimented last time.

"We'd like to be in an easier group but that's the way the World Cup is and we've got some outstanding players in our group. The players will be very excited about that."

And former Arsenal defender Samson, who won 86 caps for England, added: "It's going to be difficult." Nigeria were the final group to be drawn in England's group and Samson quipped: "We could finish bottom!

"It's the worst group we could have expected. Nigeria are very, very fit, very, very strong and very, very skilful. Group F is the toughest group.

"Nigeria have improved so much that they will give all the teams in the group a tough match. But I'm sure Sven will still be confident."