World Cup Group B preview: Argentina v Greece
If Spain and Brazil were the favourite’s pre-World Cup, Argentina weren’t far behind despite struggling in qualifying.
And on the basis of their first two games Argentina look like they could go a long way. Considering Lionel Messi has yet to find his form yet, Diego Maradona’s team look in ominous position. Playing Greece tonight, Argentina should secure all three points and finish top of their group with a perfect record.
Despite news coming out of the camp that key players will be rested, Messi is set to continue upfront. Carlos Tévez, hat-trick hero Gonzalo Higuain and captain Javier Mascherano will all be rested for the final group game.
That opens the door for Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero to come in and make their marks on the tournament, not exactly a bad set of squad players – how England would welcome a bench like that.
Juan Sebastián Verón comes back into the team after missing the game against South Korea following a sight muscle injury and will replace Mascherano.
Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez, who has been starting at right back, will miss the game through suspension and Gabriel Heinze could be rested also.
Greece will be hoping they can continue their form from their previous game where they were 1-0 down to Nigeria before they came back to win 2-1. Greece are expected to name the same side that beat the Super Eagles and also expected to deploy the same defensive tactics they have used in their previous two games.
Despite using defensive tactics Georgios Samaras says his country will fight to the end.
“We are a team and together we try to do the best we can,” he told reporters after the match.
“We have a chance to go to the next round and we will fight for it. A lot of games we play defensive and others we play attacking, some people criticise us but we are positive," he added, regarding his side's reputation for negative football.”
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