With only four players returning from the disappointing 2002 World Cup team,
few are looking far ahead. Argentina coach Jose Pekerman could tinker for
Friday's game, though few expect major changes with Hernan Crespo and Javier
Saviola starting up front.
Luis Gonzalez practiced Wednesday in midfield, where he would replace Esteban
Cambiasso on the right side. The three other midfielders should remain Juan
Ramon Riquelme, Maxi Rodriguez and Javier Mascherano.
"I'm eager, but relaxed," Gonzalez said. "Nothing is confirmed. One has to
stay calm and know what has to be done, and do it as well as possible. If I'm
picked to play, the important thing is that the team plays a good game and
wins."
Eighteen-year-old striker Lionel Messi and 22-year-old Carlos Tevez have yet
to play and are unlikely to start. Team officials said Messi picked up a minor
left foot injury in practice Wednesday but was expected to be available.
"When Leo plays, he will have a worldwide impact," Messi's Barcelona teammate
Ronaldinho told the Buenos Aires newspaper Clarin. "Messi is important for
Argentina and for soccer in general. I know he didn't play and right now he'll
be more nervous and on edge, but I'd tell him to relax - be patient."
This Argentine team is young and, despite the opening victory, a stumble
would blacken the mood. Four years ago, Argentina also won its first game
against an African team, then slumped against two European teams. Again, the
Argentines face two European sides in the final games of group play.
"All we can think of is the Serbia game, and not a step beyond that," said
Ayala, one of four returning from 2002. "We have to just think about getting
three points and respect that this is a tough opponent."
Ayala, the former captain who was replaced by Juan Pablo Sorin when Pekerman
took over, could make history in this World Cup. He was also captain of
Argentina's 2004 gold-medal winning Olympic team.
The 33-year-old Valencia defender has played 101 times for his country.
Should Argentina reach the July 9 final in Berlin, he would reach 107 and
surpass Diego Simeone's record. Simeone played 106 times.
