Argentina face win or bust

The ’Group of Death’ was ready to claim its second victim today with World Cup favourites Argentina facing a win-or-bust situation.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa and his squad headed into the Group F battle at the Miyagi Stadium knowing they will join reigning champions France on an early plane home if they failed to take all three points against Sweden.

For the Swedes, a draw was all that was required to take their place in the last 16 and, depending

on England’s result against Nigeria, a second round date with either Denmark or Senegal.

Bielsa produced a major surprise by dropping Juan Sebastian Veron to the bench from the start, along with fellow stars Diego Simeone and Diego Placente.

Manchester United ace Veron was replaced at half-time against England, with the exciting Pablo Aimar taking his place, with the 22-year-old Valencia midfielder handed his first start.

Jose Chamot and Matias Almeyda were also in from the off ahead of Placente and Simeone respectively as Bielsa looked to inject some enthusiasm into his side.

Sweden were also without one of their key players in Freddie Ljungberg, with the Arsenal midfielder suffering from a recurrence of groin problem, allowing Brondby’s Magnus Svensson a chance to shine.