Post by Taxigirl on Jul 20, 2004 10:30:44 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3909121.stm
COPA AMERICA SEMI-FINALS
Kick-off: 0145 BST, Wednesday 21 July
Venue: Lima
Argentina's in-form striker Javier Saviola should be fit for their semi-final against Colombia.
Saviola, who scored a hat-trick against Ecuador in Argentina's first game of the tournament, injured his right hamstring against Mexico.
He came on briefly in Argentina's 4-2 win over Uruguay last Tuesday, but did not even make the bench for their quarter-final victory against Peru.
"I think Saviola is going to be available," coach Marcelo Bielsa said.
Bielsa said he was also considering bringing Carlos Tevez, who scored Argentina's goal against Peru, in the starting line-up for the first time.
"Tevez is an option for the starting line-up. He has played well and he deserves it. It is an option that is linked to how Andres D'Alessandro fares," Bielsa said.
D'Alessandro is a doubt with a leg injury, which team doctors put down to tiredness.
Tevez's inclusion would be welcomed by the Argentine public, who have been pressing the coach to give the 20-year-old a regular place in the team.
Bielsa has confirmed defender Javier Zanetti will take over as captain in the absence of Roberto Ayala, who was sent off in the quarter-final against Peru.
Colombia coach Reinaldo Rueda said his side will need to raise their game if they are to make the final.
Rueda's side were far from impressive in making it through the group stage before beating Costa Rica 2-0 in the quarter-finals .
"Now we have to play with more intelligence," said Rueda.
Rueda will have two key defensive players back for the game in Lima.
Arley Dinas and Gonzalo Martinez, who both sat out the match against Costa Rica, will return.
Nine days before the tournament started Colombia defeated Argentina 2-0 in a friendly in Miami, but Rueda said the result would have little impact on Wednesday's match.
"That game is history," said Rueda. "This is going to be another game, in a different tournament. But I hope we play well and that the result ends in our favor."
Argentina and Colombia last met at this stage in 1993, when Argentina won 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out.
COPA AMERICA SEMI-FINALS
Kick-off: 0145 BST, Wednesday 21 July
Venue: Lima
Argentina's in-form striker Javier Saviola should be fit for their semi-final against Colombia.
Saviola, who scored a hat-trick against Ecuador in Argentina's first game of the tournament, injured his right hamstring against Mexico.
He came on briefly in Argentina's 4-2 win over Uruguay last Tuesday, but did not even make the bench for their quarter-final victory against Peru.
"I think Saviola is going to be available," coach Marcelo Bielsa said.
Bielsa said he was also considering bringing Carlos Tevez, who scored Argentina's goal against Peru, in the starting line-up for the first time.
"Tevez is an option for the starting line-up. He has played well and he deserves it. It is an option that is linked to how Andres D'Alessandro fares," Bielsa said.
D'Alessandro is a doubt with a leg injury, which team doctors put down to tiredness.
Tevez's inclusion would be welcomed by the Argentine public, who have been pressing the coach to give the 20-year-old a regular place in the team.
Bielsa has confirmed defender Javier Zanetti will take over as captain in the absence of Roberto Ayala, who was sent off in the quarter-final against Peru.
Colombia coach Reinaldo Rueda said his side will need to raise their game if they are to make the final.
Rueda's side were far from impressive in making it through the group stage before beating Costa Rica 2-0 in the quarter-finals .
"Now we have to play with more intelligence," said Rueda.
Rueda will have two key defensive players back for the game in Lima.
Arley Dinas and Gonzalo Martinez, who both sat out the match against Costa Rica, will return.
Nine days before the tournament started Colombia defeated Argentina 2-0 in a friendly in Miami, but Rueda said the result would have little impact on Wednesday's match.
"That game is history," said Rueda. "This is going to be another game, in a different tournament. But I hope we play well and that the result ends in our favor."
Argentina and Colombia last met at this stage in 1993, when Argentina won 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out.