Libya chase World Cup dreams as Argentina visit

Libya hope their World Cup dream - qualification in 2006 and potential hosting of the 2010 event - can come a little step closer with a strong showing in Wednesday's friendly here against two-time champions Argentina.

The vice-president of the Libyan Football Federation is Saadi Khadafi, son of President Moamer Khadafi, who has persuaded the South Americans to provide top-rank opposition for his side - induced by a reported payment of one million dollars.

"We are determined to reach the 2006 finals," said Saadi Khadafi who is also president of and a prolific striker for Libyan side Al Ittihad - while he has additionally taken a stake of 7.5 percent in Italian giants Juventus as the North Africans seek ever-increasing links to the top table of the game.

A further example of that was Al Ittihad paying 300,000 dollars for the right to take on Barcelona in a friendly at the Catalan giants' legendary Nou Camp a month ago, when they lost 5-0.

Libya are now working on an ambitious attempt to host or co-host the 2010 World Cup and the Argentina match willbe a major test for the side who lost 4-2 to Canada in Tripoli on February 12.

Argentina, who also have things to prove after last summer's World Cup flop, say they will take the match no less seriously.

"It's not going to be the most competitive of matches maybe but we will approach it very keenly, as always," insisted coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Argentina last played in Africa in 1995, drawing 1-1 against South Africa.

Bielsa will be missing several stars such as Manchester United's Juan Sebastian Veron, Walter Samuel, Roberto Ayala and Hernan Crespo.

But that opens the door to younger players including striker Javier Saviola of Barcelona.

Other newer faces include Fabricio Coloccini of Atletico Madrid, Bernardo Romeo of Hamburg and Lionel Scaloni of Deportivo La Coruna.

Libya's side primarily come from Al Ittihad and Nasser, but they also include midfielders Tariq Taib of Tunisia's Afriqi and Jehad Montasser of Italian outfit Trestina.

The North Africans have been through a variety of coaches in recent years including Carlos Bilardo, who coached Argentina to the 1986 World Cup, as well as Italians Eugenio Bersellini and Franco Scoglio.

But home-bred Abobakre Pani is now in charge as the 2006 dream draws closer.

For 2010, the Libyans would have to see off African rival bids from Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia.