Argentina aim to stay perfect

POLOKWANE, South Africa (AP):

Argentina could become the first team at the World Cup to wrap up three victories if they beat Greece today - though a draw would be enough for the two-time world champions to advance to the last 16 from Group B.

Argentina have so far underlined their status as one of the tournament's biggest favourites, outscoring their opponents 5-1 so far.

Coach Diego Maradona said yesterday he intended to leave captain Javier Mascherano and key strikers Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain out of the starting line-up against Greece.

Higuain was mainly invisible in Argentina's opener, but had a hat-trick in the team's 4-1 win over South Korea last Thursday. He is likely to be replaced by Inter Milan striker Diego Milito.

However, Maradona confirmed Lionel Messi and Juan Sebastian Veron as starters. Veron was kept sidelined in the South Korea match after picking up a right-calf injury during the team's 1-0 win over Nigeria.

"We can all be happy," Maradona said. "Two games, two wins - and the way we achieved them."

Greece might need a helping hand from Nigeria if they are to advance unless they earn an unlikely three-goal victory over Argentina.

Greece could scrape through on a smaller win or even a draw, but it then depends on Nigeria to get a favourable result against South Korea in Durban.

The 2004 European champions lost their opening game to South Korea 2-0, then rallied to beat Nigeria 2-1 for their first ever World Cup win, points and goals. They are now hoping to keep their momentum going.

"For sure, the team can do better and can show more on the pitch," Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos said. "We will be freer to play because the game against Nigeria was like a final ... We are very relaxed after the win and, in my opinion, this will help us a lot."

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel will have defender Vassilis Torosidis and captain Giorgos Karagounis at his disposal as both players resumed normal training on Sunday after picking up knocks in the Nigeria game. However, defender Avraam Papadopoulos skipped Sunday's practice session and trained on the sidelines as a precaution.

Argentina are not completely free of injury troubles either as defender Walter Samuel is doubtful after picking up a thigh injury and being replaced after 22 minutes into the South Korea game.

"Luckily, it's not a muscle tear, so that's good and I hope to return as soon as possible," Samuel said. "I'd like to be ready for the next match, but there is no deadline."