FRANCE 98 – Match preview n°48

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. ” I don’t like taking the foot off the accelerator. It’s best if we’re all focussed on winning our games. If you ease up it can be dangerous.”

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. Argentina’s disciplinary record here has been excellent-like England and Colombia they have picked up only one yellow card. Javier Zanetti of Inter Milan and Hector Pineda of Udinese both trained on Wednesday after treatment for bruised knees.

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 Croatia coach Miroslav Blazevic said Wednesday 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 instead of Romania.

But Blazevic refused to look that far ahead. “The only thing I am concentrating on is our game against Argentina. It is going to be very difficult. They are one of the favourites, “ he admitted. ” They may not have been too impressive when they played Japan but against Jamaica they showed just how good they are, “ he added.

Passarella says he will step down even if Argentina win the trophy, Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona said Wednesday. ” We have put him under no pressure to win this cup, “ Grondona said.

Passarella has had an often stormy relationship with his FA, as well as the players, and Grondona appeared to be in no hurry to make him change his mind. ” If he wants to go I can’t stop him, “ he said.