Front-line dilemma

Argentina's decision -- Batistuta, Crespo or both?

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- They are two of the world's most feared strikers.

Gabriel Batistuta is Argentina's all-time leading scorer, a veteran and fan favorite playing his final World Cup. The other, Hernan Crespo, is the team's future, fast blossoming into his prime.

But chances are that one will be watching the other from the bench in South Korea and Japan.

While Argentine fans relish the thought of the duo playing up front together, they haven't been in the same lineup since coach Marcelo Bielsa took over in 1999.

Bielsa, who thinks the two players are too similar and don't complement each other, is almost certain to stick to his convictions -- despite public pressure to play them together.

"I haven't ruled it out, but it is difficult to find a satisfactory end to the controversy," he said recently. "There is no room for two penalty-area players. The whole system would have to be changed.

"Why change a successful system?"

During World Cup qualifying matches, the Argentine coach only rarely called upon "Batigol." The few times he did, the star striker responded, scoring five goals.

When knee problems sidelined Batistuta, in stepped Crespo in seamless fashion, notching nine goals.

An idol at AS Roma, Batistuta, now 33, has said this year's tournament will be his last. It also gives him a chance of vindication, coming on the heels of one of his worst seasons since he transferred to the Italian league from Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors in 1991.

Plagued by injuries and a shortage of goals, Batistuta has recently found himself relegated to the bench at AS Roma -- an unfamiliar place for the man who first starred at Italy's Fiorentina.

He vows things will be different in South Korea and Japan.

"I'm going to be ready," Batistuta said recently. "I'm hungry for this World Cup."

Crespo, meanwhile, is battling injuries of his own. A damaged ankle recently kept him out of action for a month, although he returned with a goal in Lazio's recent 5-4 victory over Verona.

The 26-year-old star, regarded as more technically sound than Batistuta, has made it clear he feels he deserves to start.

"I don't know who will be among the starting 11. Do I feel I've earned it? Yes. But the coach must decide," Crespo said.

 

Related information
Stories
'McLarsson' is key to Swedish attack Andersson might be game-rusty but hungry in the World Cup Swedes feel inspired to face Argentina, England and Nigeria Okocha idolized by defeat-wearied Nigerians Nigeria's comeback-kid Kanu hopes for happy ending Africa's turbulent superpower rallies behind struggling Super Eagles Hamstrung Owen needs to regain confidence Swede overcomes the doubters but could be hit by England's injury problems Beckham injury halts revival under Eriksson Veron at center of Argentina's World Cup bid Heavily favored Argentina chases its third title
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.