Bielsa - backed his side to win (Allsport)
BIELSA BACKS HIS PLAYERS
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Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa has backed his players to correct the mistakes
they made against England - and beat Sweden.
The Biancoceleste were held out by a defiant English defence after David
Beckham had given his side a first-half lead from the penalty spot.
Despite dominating possession, the much-vaunted Argentina attack lacked the
creative spark needed to break down the massed ranks of their opponents'
defence.
Sweden are likely to employ similar tactics but Bielsa believes he has seen it
all before in a qualifying campaign which saw his side finish top of the South
American group.
"England and Nigeria did not do anything different to Bolivia or Venezuela
during the qualifying round," he said.
"The only thing that changes are the stars. We are accustomed to teams that
put six players in their area.
"I don't criticise those decisions, but it is a reality we have to face and
overcome."
But he added: "I am convinced that we are going to win, to be taken out in
the first round would cause me serious sadness."
Bielsa and his players, pre-tournament favourites, have faced a lot of
criticism since losing to England but the coach dismissed suggestions morale in
the camp is low.
"No-one is more interested in winning than I am," he said.
"I don't think there is tension in the team or that the players are not
focused because they don't know the starting line-up."
"We knew that this could happen, it is a World Cup, in which a result makes a
team face this situation, of having to win."
Striker Gabriel Batistuta has more reason than his team-mates to want stay in
the competition with this being his last World Cup.
"I wouldn't want to end it this way," said the Roma man. "This match will
be like a World Cup final its importance for the team and for me."
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