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IBARAKI, Japan (Reuters) -- World Cup favourites Argentina, having beaten Nigeria in their opening match, are in the right mood to play arch-rivals England in a game the South Americans call a soccer classic. Goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero stoked the fires of a rivalry that crosses the boundaries of sport by saying: "It's the match all Argentines want to play, those who lost friends or relatives in 1982." Britain defeated Argentina in a war over the disputed Falkland (Malvinas) islands 20 years ago. "Maybe we shouldn't link the two things, but it's difficult (not to)," said Cavallero who made his World Cup debut in Argentina's 1-0 win over Nigeria in Sunday's group F match. Argentina, who won thanks to a goal from Gabriel Batistuta in the 63rd minute, meet England in Friday's second game in Sapporo. "It goes back to Mexico 86 when the fans (got a taste of revenge) with the two goals by (Diego) Maradona that created a myth and a classic (rivalry) with England," Cavallero said. Argentina beat England 2-1 in their Mexico quarter-final in 1986. Maradona followed his infamous Hand of God goal with a superb second, voted the best in the history of the tournament. Batistuta, whose winner was his 10th goal in the World Cup finals, said Argentina would be reassured by having three points in the bag. WORLD CLASSIC "I feel nothing special. It's just nice to play against such teams as England, Brazil, Italy. It's one of the great classics of world football," he said. Veron, who plays his club soccer with Manchester United, agreed. "I'm sure England will be fully prepared - this is going to be a classic game," said the midfielder, man of the match against Nigeria. "But we are just going to get better and better every match." Coach Marcelo Bielsa said: "We will prepare for the match (against England) in calm. Winning brings peace." Batistuta, now 33, said nothing should be read into the fact he was substituted by Hernan Crespo nine minutes from time. "I was quite tired and begining to feel some cramp. We needed fresh people and this team can take the luxury of making such changes."
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