Bielsa says Simeone and co will be fair (Allsport).

By Frank Malley, PA Chief Sports Writer, Sapporo

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Argentina coach Marcello Bielsa promised that whatever happened in the Sapporo Dome here on Friday in the World Cup showdown against England his side would play fair.

His pledge would have been more convincing, however, if he hadn't, in almost the same breath, admitted his greatest heroes were Ratin and Maradona.

Ratin, of course, was the man sent off in England's tempestuous clash with Argentina in 1966, which prompted then-England manager Sir Alf Ramsey to describe the Argentinians as "animals".

And surely no-one needs reminding of the 'Hand of God' of Maradona who cheated England out of the 1986 tournament with his famous hand-ball goal which he swiftly followed with the greatest goal in World Cup history.

Bielsa, however, who named the side which began the second half of their 1-0 victory over Nigeria with Kily Gonzalez coming in for Claudio Lopez, was adamant that Argentina were focused purely on football and, in particular stopping the danger of David Beckham's crosses.

"It will be very intense with a lot of pressure from both sides," said Bielsa.

"After beating Nigeria we know that we have to step up a level if we are to beat England.

"It is not only a question of stopping their players in the air. We have to address the problem at its root by not letting them get good crosses in. We know that will be tough."

He refused to name Beckham as the focus of his plans, but it was clear that the Argentinians, for whom Ariel Ortega and Juan Sorin have not trained for the last three days with niggling but not serious injuries, had been working on ways of cutting down his space on the right.

"It's how the team plays that matters, not the fitness of one individual," said Bielsa.

"I am very aware of how England play and we have prepared for this game as thoroughly as any other. The most important thing for us will be possession of the ball. We have no choice but to play to our strengths."

Bielsa also attempted to defuse some of the antagonism between the two sides which has seen Argentine goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero this week proclaim that victory would be dedicated to the Argentinians who died in the Falklands War.

For England's part several players, including Beckham, Sol Campbell and Teddy Sheringham, have dragged up the gesticulations and disrespect they received from the Argentinians after the defeat on penalties after Beckham had been sent off in France 98.

The England players were openly taunted from the windows of the opposition team bus and it is a sore which clearly still festers.

"I wasn't aware of how they celebrated last time but if they celebrate I want them to celebrate in a sporting manner," said Bielsa.

"Our aspiration is that what happens does so within the limits of fair play.

"The match is only interesting for how we do and not about sending England home. What happens to England is of no interest to me. We are not interested in other teams, we just want to play well ourselves. We respect the England team and this is a good test for us. It is a game of great power with potential for greatness."

Bielsa also insisted he was happy with the form of Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, Britain's costliest player at £28.1million but who was heavily criticised for his performances in the Premiership last season.

And he explained the driving force of history which spurs on his team as they strive to emulate the World Cup winners of 1978 and 1986.

"We are obligated to play to our potential strengths," said Bielsa. "We have a very important obligation to live up to our predecessors. Like any fan my memory goes as far as Ratin and Maradona.

"The only thing that worries me is to lose. We are very confident about the spirit of the squad. That is what counts."