Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 734 Wed. June 21, 2006  
   
Sports


Gonazlez fit for qtrs


Argentina midfielder Luis Gonzalez, injured during the 6-0 rout of Serbia and Montenegro, should be fit for the quarterfinals if they reach that stage, a member of the team staff said on Sunday.

Gonzalez suffered a groin injury in the first half of the Group C match in Gelsenkirchen on Friday.

"If Argentina qualify for the quarterfinals, (Gonzalez) should be okay. The injury is less serious than we feared at first," physical trainer Gerardo Salorio told Reuters.

"The rest of the lads are fine, without any problems."

Gonzalez warmed up with the rest of the squad during Sunday's training session but did not take part in any of the exercises with the ball or practice games.

Argentina, top of Group C on goal difference, are preparing for their final first-round match against Netherlands in Frankurt on Wednesday which will decide the group winners.

"It's going to be a nice match because both teams play good football," midfielder Javier Mascherano said.

Argentina beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their first match while the Dutch defeated Serbia & Montenegro 1-0. Netherlands then beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Friday.

If Jose Pekerman's team beat the Dutch or draw they will stay top and play the runners-up in Group D in the second round match in Leipzig on Saturday. If they finish second, they will face the Group D winners in Nuremberg next Sunday.

Portugal have already qualified from Group D while Mexico are the favourites to take the other spot.