Argentina in search of fifth U-20 title

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Argentina is taking its rising stars, flair and experience to the U-20 world championship with its focus on one lofty goal: a fifth title.

The defending champions are hoping to retain the trophy in the United Arab Emirates with a squad groomed in Argentina's competitive first division.

"We didn't have a lot of time to prepare, but our players have a lot of experience and that makes coming together like this a lot easier," coach Hugo Tocalli said.

The Argentines, who have won three of the last four U-20 titles, are one of the top favorites in the 24-team competition.

Home-gown talent, including Diego Maradona and Javier Saviola, has helped Argentina in the past. The South American powerhouse clinched titles in 1979, '95, '97, and 2001 to reaffirm itself as one of the world's best at honing young players.

This year's squad will again showcase some of Argentina's top up-and-coming players, including River Plate striker Fernando Cavenaghi.

Known as "El Torito," or "little bull," Cavenaghi has scored 56 goals in 95 matches in the Argentine first division. During the South American U-20 tournament he netted eight goals in nine games.

Cavenaghi's eye for the goal has drawn comparisons to Gabriel Batistuta and caught the attention of some of Europe's top clubs, including AS Roma and Juventus.

"I hope the goals keep coming, but more than that I just want to win," he said.

Cavenaghi will be joined by a team replete with players who have shined in the domestic league, including midfielder Walter Montillo of San Lorenzo.

Tocalli also plans to use the backbone of Argentina's U-17 team, which finished fourth in the world two years ago: defender Gonzalo Rodriguez of San Lorenzo, and midfielders Hugo Colace of Argentinos Juniors and Javier Mascherano of River Plate.

The Argentines, however, will be without arguably the brightest of their young galaxy of stars, Boca Juniors sensation Carlos Tevez.

Tevez has decided to play in the Intercontinental Cup, soccer's unofficial world club championship.

Boca, the Copa Libertadores champion, will face AC Milan in the annual duel between the top club in Europe and Latin America on Dec. 14. The match comes about midway through the world youth competition.

Tevez could possibly join the team after the match in Tokyo, but it is unclear if tournament regulations would allow that.

"Replacing him will be our biggest challenge," Tocalli said.

Argentina has been drawn into Group B and will face Spain, Mali and Uzbekistan in the first round. Sixteen teams will advance to the second round.

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Roster:

Goalkeepers: Mariano Barbosa (Banfield); Gustavo Eberto (Boca Juniors)

Defenders: Joel Barbosa (Boca Juniors); Jonathon Bottinelli (San Lorenzo); Leandro Fernandez (Newell's Old Boys); Osmar Ferreyra (River Plate); Walter Garcia (San Lorenzo); Gonzalo Rodriguez (San Lorenzo); Mauricio Romero (Lanus)

Midfielders: Neri Cardozo (Boca Juniors); Marcelo Carrusca (Estudiantes); Hugo Colace (Argentinos Juniors); Javier Mascherano (River Plate); Walter Montillo (San Lorenzo); Jose Sosa (Estudiantes); Pablo Zabaleta (San Lorenzo)

Forwards: Franco Cangele (Boca Juniors); Fernando Cavenaghi (River Plate); German Herrera (Rosario Central)