Argentina strikes fear into potential opponents

Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Tuesday, Jun. 22, 2010

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- It's Moving Day today, and it could be a Latin American fiesta.

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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- It's Moving Day today, and it could be a Latin American fiesta.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/06/2010 (5948 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — It’s Moving Day today, and it could be a Latin American fiesta.

Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay need only draws in their final opening-round matches to advance. The Mexicans and Uruguayans meet in Rustenberg so a tie will get both teams through from Group A. Argentina, which is on top of Group B, faces Greece at Polokwane and, even if they lose, the Argentines could reach the next round.

Looking on and hoping for help are France and South Africa in Group A. South Korea is in better shape in Group B and with a victory over Nigeria it has a strong chance to stay alive.

Most intriguing, perhaps, is the Mexico-Uruguay game. Neither team is enamoured with the prospect of playing Argentina in the knockout round, making a draw almost as bad as a loss.

“Mexico will be a difficult rival just as all the teams in the World Cup,” defender Diego Godin said. “They play good football, but we have the weapons to destroy their game and we know how to cause them damage.”

Indeed, striker Diego Forlan had two goals in a 3-0 romp past South Africa, and forward Luis Suarez is just as dangerous. And the Uruguayans, who needed a playoff with Costa Rica to get into the tournament, have not been scored on.

“We have not conceded a goal so far and that is very important,” Godin said. “If we do the same against Mexico, then we will have progressed to the next round and anything can happen from then on.”

Mexico will be without striker Carlos Vela (right leg injury), but Pablo Barrera is an able replacement up front and did well against France.

“I’m happy because it’s my first World Cup,” Barrera said. “It was my debut and we won. It’s the best thing that can happen to you.”

Even better would be avoiding the Albiceleste in the round of 16. Lionel Messi, the 2009 world player of the year, has been sensational — and he hasn’t even scored yet.

The Argentines have been the most dynamic team through two sets of matches.

— The Associated Press