Argentina to book World Cup Place.

Congratulations to Bravo for broadcasting the end of season South American WC qualifiers. Last Sunday they showed a rejuvinated Brazil take apart Paraguay. On Thursday the World Champions have the trickier task of Argentina in Buenos Aires. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />The old foes, who have 28 and 27 points respectively from 14 games, are virtually certain to qualify and the winners of tomorrow's game will make mathematically sure of their place at Germany 2006 with three games to spare. Against Paraguay, Ronaldo was rested but still scored four goals including a couple of Ronaldinho penalties. The most exciting performance though came from Robinho who fully justified the pre-match hype surrounding the European bound player.It wasn't all good news though for Brazil with centre-back Lucio receiving his marching orders late on. That does leave Roque Junior as the main defender against the hosts, a thought that will surely provoke much laughter from Leeds fans. While Brazil will again not play Ronaldo, Argentina will play a full strength team following the recent 2-0 defeat in Ecuador when Jose Pekerman selected his reserves. It should though mean Argentina are the fresher of the two sides. When the two sides met last time, it was Brazil who won the game with a hattrick of Ronaldo penalties. The manner the victory was achieved is sure to have annoyed the Argentina and so an element of revenge will be in the thinking of the home side. Looking at the match betting and there is a strong temptation to back Argentina. Not only will they be intent on putting right their defeat in Brazil, Thursday's team will be far fresher and also have the motivation of securing their World Cup berth. This is not to say Brazil will prove a soft touch. We should expect the first half to be hotly contested until the hosts extra freshness comes to the fore during the latter stages of proceedings. A draw at half time/Argentina win at full time is priced at 9/2.