Argentina's Carlos Tevez laughs during a practice session ahead of their next World Cup match against the Netherlands in Herzogenaurach yesterday. - REUTERS
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP):
THE SECOND-choice sides for Argentina and the Netherlands are probably as good as their first - or at least better than most other World Cup teams' starting line-ups.
Any disappointment that the Oranje and Albiceste might rest some of their regulars for their clash today is at least tempered by the fact that the depth of both teams still makes for an intriguing game.
Lionel Messi had been relishing a World Cup match-up against FC Barcelona teammates Mark van Bommel and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. But with both Argentina and the Netherlands already having secured a place in the second round, none of the three might make the starting line-up.
"In your national squad you always want your best players. It's not always possible to let them all play and they understand that, for which I am grateful," Argentine coach Jose Pekerman said.
EFFICIENT
Since both nations were so efficient in beating Serbia-Montenegro and Ivory Coast, Group C already has been decided before the final round of games.
And with the prospect of facing Portugal, Mexico or Angola in the next round, both Argentina and the Netherlands are set to rest key players with injuries or facing the threat of suspension.
According to yesterday's training scenario, the Barcelona duo, Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, central defender Joris Mathijsen and the injured John Heitinga probably will be dropped from Dutch coach Marco van Basten's starting line-up.
Pekerman was not as forthcoming, but he has four players threatened with suspension, Luis Gonzalez, who is also slightly injured, Hernan Crespo, Javier Saviola and Gabriel Heinze. Additionally, rumours around the Argentine camp indicate Messi also could sit.
The Netherlands need a victory to win the group, while Argentina, because of their 6-0 drubbing of Serbia-Montenegro, can finish atop with a draw.
NO RISKS
Players with one yellow card after the first round go into the second with a clean slate, making it all the more imperative for the coaches not to take risks with their regular first 11.
"I'm aware of the yellow-card situation," Pekerman said. "We want to work this out, but there's a possibility there will be changes."
Argentina, however, have such depth that line-up changes might not affect their play. That cannot be said of the Netherlands, who already had trouble filling key midfield and defensive positions.
The line-up should have goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar making his Dutch record equalling 112th appearance and midfielder Phillip Cocu should reach his century.
The winner of Group C meet the second-place team from Group D in the next phase. The loser of Netherlands-Argentina would have to face the Group D winner, who will either be Portugal or Mexico. Angola can also advance, but cannot finish first.
