|
|
Argentina, Paraguay set for firey Group C Copa America clash |
 |
+ |
- |
11:05, July 05, 2007 |
Argentina and Paraguay, the two top teams in soccer's Copa America Group C, willclash later on Wednesday in the last day of the group phase of thecompetition, to decide the group leadership in the Barquisimeto Metropolitan Stadium.
The winner will stay on in Barquisimeto to face Peru in the quarter final, and the loser will fly to Maturin to face the winner of Group B, which could be Brazil, Mexico or Chile.
An intense clash is expected as both sides are strong and have two victories in as many games.
Although Argentina is considered favorite, it is the team whichhas the weaker goal difference. It beat the United States 4-1 and Colombia 4-2, registering a goal difference of five. But Paraguay's 5-0 defeat of Colombia and 3-1 victory over the United States mean that it has an overall difference of seven.
Argentine star striker Hernan Crespo tore a muscle in his rightthigh scoring a penalty against Colombia and is unlikely to play in the competition again, so Argentina's manager, Alfio Basile, looks set to bring Diego Milito off the bench.
The last match showed that Basile has full confidence in midfielder Estaban Cambiasso, and so Pablo Aimar is likely to stayon the bench.
Juan Roman Riquelme looks set to keep his place as the brains of the team, with Lionel Messi, who has not yet scored, as the manwho decides when to change pace.
The defense has proven its strength with Roberto Ayala and Gabriel Milito, although it has suffered in the rebound, a scenario in which Paraguay's top striker Roque Santa Cruz has shown himself to be swift and lethal.
Parguay can also count on Salvador Caba, who has shown himself to be just as devastating. Caba and Santa Cruz have each scored three goals of the eight that Paraguay has scored overall.
Argentina faces one of the two best defenses of the tournament,just like Mexico, Paraguay has only let in one goal.
Paraguay's midfielders Carlos Bonet and Edgar Barreto have heldthe center well, passing to Oscar Cardozo and Jonhatan Santana, further forward.
Source: Xinhua
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article