Brazil face bruising battle in Argentina

Brazil know that with Uruguay's win in Peru last night they have to at least draw in Argentina to stay in an automatic World Cup qualifying place.

Argentina are already through to the finals but face their fiercest rivals knowing that a win will seriously damage Brazil's chances of reaching the 2002 finals.

Uruguay have joined Brazil on 24 points and coach Felipe Scolari has prepared his team for a physical battle in Buenos Aires. Brazil defeated the Argentines 3-1 in Rio last year and Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa is without play maker Juan Veron who is suspended and veteran striker Gabriel Batistuta. Juan Pablo Sorin is also missing with an injury. Pablo Aimar could come into midfield while Scolari has to decide between Euller and Denilson before the start of the game but looks likely to field a five-man defence as a point could prove very useful with an easy run in for Brazil after this bruising encounter.