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Batistuta goal gives Argentina victory

The ace striker's superb header gave the 1978 and '86 champions a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the opening group F match.
Bati-G-O-A-L - Images from the match

On sheer form and performance in friendlies, Argentina should rank among the favourites in Korea, Japan. The squad has enthused fans with its South American flair and European style; a majority of them ply their trade in the continent.

The fact that these players have been combining as a unit since France '98 should boost Argentina's Cup campaign. Also, the side is loaded with choices, and top quality players at that.

In fact, coach Marcelo Bielsa is in a dilemma about choosing between classy Batistuta and Crespo because their styles are too similar! Upfront, Argentina is reinforced by the experienced Claudio Lopez and the exciting Javier Saviola. Another handy option is the capable Caniggia.

The midfield is brimming with talent too. Playmaker Veron is ably assisted by Diego Simeone, Kily Gonzalez, Zanetti and the upcoming Pablo Aimar.

Argentina has an ideal blend of youth and experience. Its bench is packed with exciting prospects. Also, Bielsa adopts a canny 3-3-1-3 system which enables his gifted players to revel in. They should advance far, if not right up to the podium.

Winners: 1978, 1986.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:
German Burgos, Pablo Cavallero , Roberto Bonano.

Defenders:
Roberto Ayala, Mauricio Pochettino, Walter Samuel, Diego Placente, Jose Chamot.

Midfielders:
Juan Sorin, Matias Almeyda, Javier Zanetti, Juan Veron, Diego Simeone, Claudio Husain , Pablo Aimar, Ariel Ortega, Marcelo Gallardo.

Forwards: Claudio Lopez, Gabriel Batistuta, Gustavo Lopez, Kily Gonzalez, Hernan Crespo, Claudio Cannigia.



Latest News
Qualifying campaign
W 4-1 Chile (h)
W 4-0 Venezuela (a)
W 1-0 Bolivia (h)
W 3-1 Columbia (a)
W 2-0 Ecuador (h)
L 3-1 Brazil (a)
D 1-1 Paraguay (h)
W 2-1 Peru (a)
W 2-1 Uruguay (h)
W 2-0 Chile (a)
W 5-0 Venezuela (h)
D 3-3 Bolivia (a)
W 3-0 Columbia (h)
W 2-0 Ecuador (a)
W 2-1 Brazil (h)
D 2-2 Paraguay (a)
W 2-0 Peru (h)
D 1-1 Uruguay (a)


June 12, 2002

  • Argentina make shock exit

  • Argentina let down by European style

  • Caniggia sent off without kicking ball

  • Bielsa dejected as Argentina head home


  • June 13, 2002
  • Argentina's spine weak, says Bilardo


  • June 10, 2002
  • Aimar hopes to give Argentina the edge


  • June 8, 2002
  • England penalty no penalty: Beckenbauer

  • Batistuta ready for showdown

  • Champions France, favourites Argentina in trouble


  • June 7, 2002
  • Maradona to be allowed into Japan: media


  • June 6, 2002
  • Argentina pick Kily for England clash

  • Eriksson: Must perform for 90 mins


  • June 2, 2002
  • England-Sweden draw 1-1

  • Batistuta goal gives Argentina victory

  • Argentina kick off 'group of death'


  • June 1, 2002
  • Batistuta seeks World Cup title before quitting


  • May 30, 2002
  • Maradona's strike is goal of the century

  • Argentina face striking dilemma


  • May 29, 2002
  • Ayala happy to just play
  • Maradona allowed to enter South Korea
  • Winner takes all in Group of Fear

    May 27, 2002
  • Ortega to wear Argentina's No 10 shirt

    May 26, 2002
  • Happy headache for Argentina's Bielsa
  • Argentina not to retire no.10 shirt

    May 23, 2002
  • Old offence threatens Maradona
    May 19, 2002
  • Simeone admits trying to get Beckham sent off

  • Security tight as Argentina train


  • May 16, 2002
  • Favourites Argentina arrive in Japan


  • May 15, 2002
  • Argentina leave out Riquelme and Saviola


  • May 8, 2002
  • Argentina head South American challenge


  • May 7, 2002
  • Caniggia, Batistuta in Argentina's squad


  • April 27, 2002
  • Eriksson picks Argentina as favourites


  • April 18, 2002
  • Argentina beat Germany, Brazil, France draw


  • March 13, 2002
  • Caniggia in, Batistuta out for Argentina


  • Febuary 22, 2002
  • Argentina put faith in twin coaches


  • December 1, 2001
  • France, Senegal to kick off 2002 World Cup


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