L'ETRAT, June 25: Argentina coach Daniel Passarella, who says he will step down as national coach after the World Cup, is going into Friday's final Group H match with Croatia in Bordeaux looking for a win. A draw will ensure Argentina finish top of the group and face the winners of the England-Colombia clash in St Etienne on June 30. But Passarella prefers to keep up the momentum of winning.Passarella has only one injury doubt. Defender Roberto Sensini is carrying a thigh strain and could be rested, while Passarella may not risk stopper Jose Chamot, who is on a yellow card. Croatia should be at full strength after their injury doubts cleared up.
Skipper Zvonimir Boban appears to have won his race against time to be fit and coach Miroslav Blazevic said both defender Slaven Bilic had also recovered from a groin strain. Boban missed Croatia's 1-0 victory over Japan after tearing a left calf muscle in training last week. If Croatia beat Argentina they will play either England or Colombia in the second round.But Blazevic refused to look that far ahead.
Probable teams Argentina: 1-Carlos Roa; 14-Nelson Vivas, 2-Roberto Ayala, 3-Jose Chamot; 22-Javier Zanetti, 5-Matias Almeyda, 11-Juan Veron, 10-Ariel Ortega, 8-Diego Simeone; 9-Gabriel Batistuta, 7-Claudio LopezCroatia: 1-Drazen Ladic; 6-Slaven Bilic, 14-Zvonimir Soldo, 4-Igor Stimac; 20-Dario Simic, 8-Robert Prosinecki, 10-Zvonimi Boban, 7-Aljosa Asanovic, 17-Robert Jarni; 13-Mario Stanic, 9-Davor Suker.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
