Argentina set to give Gonzalez double role

LUIS GONZALEZ knows what is expected of him when he makes his World Cup bow for Argentina — a tough double shift.

The Porto midfielder replaces Esteban Cambiasso for the match against Serbia and Montenegro today.

It is the only change made by coach Jose Pekerman to the side that defeated the Ivory Coast in the opening game.

Gonzalez will take some of the weight off play-maker Juan Roman Riquelme as well as tidying up when required.

Gonzalez joins Mascherano and Rodriguez in the engine room and it is a challenge he is relishing.

Gonzalez said: “I have been playing on the right of midfield in training.

“The idea is that when we are attacking to try not to put all the responsibility of play-making onto Roman (Riquelme). It will enable him to rest sometimes.

“Then when we need to recover the ball, I have to be close to Javier. The idea is to recover it as soon as possible.

“I feel very comfortable in that place. If the coach believes I can contribute to the team in that position, I will do my best.”

Riquelme looked a class act in the opening game for one of the favourites for the trophy. He arrived in Germany with a big reputation after some influential displays for Villarreal.

Riquelme had a hand in both goals against the Ivory Coast but remains modest about his contribution to the cause.

He said: “I was pleased with playing my part with two assists.

“I do not feel any extra pressure on me. After all it is only a game.”

Pekerman will keep faith with the strike partnership of Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola, who both scored in the opening game.

Corinthians forward Crlos Tevez missed morning training yesterday because of an upset stomach. The team had another work-out at the match venue last night.

Young Barcelona winger Lionel Messi, who hurt his foot in training yesterday, is expected to be on the bench.

Argentina look set to secure their place in the last 16 and Pekerman is delighted they already have a winning mentality.

He said: “Getting a victory in our first match should give us the confidence boost we need to get better. There were a few negatives from the opening game but we have been working on that situation.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain has confirmed Argentina forward Javier Saviola will not be returning to the club.

The former River Plate starlet has been loaned out to Monaco and Sevilla in the last two seasons, with Barca coach Frank Rijkaard deeming him surplus to requirements.

Saviola has one year left on his contract and the Catalan club are keen to either sell him or loan him out again.

“The situation with Saviola is closed, he does not interest us and I think that is quite clear,” Begiristain said.

“We will have to look for the best solution for both parties when the World Cup finishes.”

Begiristain also hinted that Wednesday’s capture of Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen could be the European champions’ last piece of business this summer.

“I cannot say categorically that we are not going to have any more new players because it is our responsibility to always keep an eye on the market,” he said.

“But if things stay as they are then we will be very happy.”