Optimistic Pekerman braced for tough Mexico clash

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman(R), seen here talking to an assistant coach at a team practice in Leipzig, said his team were braced for a tough encounter in Saturday's World Cup second round game against Mexico

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said his team were braced for a tough encounter in Saturday's World Cup second round game against Mexico.

"Mexico will be very difficult," said the 56-year-old Pekerman, whose team avoided a clash with Portugal after topping Group C ahead of the Netherlands.

"They have a lot of technically able players. It's very difficult to win these games because we play in the same style.

"Mistakes could cost dear," Pekerman said. "There's no going back.

"But Argentina has the potential to overcome this challenge. The team has great solidarity and confidence."

Pekerman said he was upbeat about the prospects for his team, who are bidding to end a 20 year drought since winning the last of their two World Cups.

"You have to be optimistic. We're at the start of the trip. We must play seven matches and we go forward in this tournament with this idea.

In last year's Confederations Cup in Germany, Argentina beat the Mexicans on penalties after it had finished 1-1 after extra-time.

On team news, Pekerman said he would wait until the last moment before making a decision on the fitness of both defender Nicolas Burdisso, who had been originally ruled out after he suffered an ankle injury in the draw with the Dutch, and midfielder Luis Gonzalez.

"We've only had a few hours from the last game so we'll wait to get the most out of the footballers and announce the team on Saturday."

But the stars of an electrifying, if goalless, first-half against the Dutch on Wednesday, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, will likely drop to the bench to make way for Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola.

The latter duo missed the Dutch game along with Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze after they all picked up yellow cards in the 6-0 humiliation of Serbia and Montenegro.

Pekerman admitted that Germany, who face Sweden in the second round and would play Argentina should the two sides win, would be a formidable opponent.

"They are very tough and aggressive. Should the time come they will be very strong."