Aimar on the loose! (The Malay Mail)

WATCH out England! Argentina's sensational midfielder Pablo Aimar will be
on the warpath when they clash in the Youth World Cup second round in
Larkin Stadium today.
 Aimar, who was voted the Most Valuable Player in the South American
championship earlier this year when Argentina emerged champions, did not
start among the first 11 in their final Group E match against Australia on
Monday and coach Jose Nestor Perkerman discovered just how costly that
could be.
 When Aimar was fielded in the second half, Argentina were already
trailing 1-3. The change was immediately noticeable.
 Although the Argentines lost 4-3, Aimar added bite and nearly turned the
game around.
 Perkerman had wanted to save Aimar for the second round as the player
had collected a yellow card against Canada. And Perkerman had also
underestimated the Aussies.
 "We are glad that we have him for the second round," said a relieved
Perkerman.
 "We need him to be at our best so I was reluctant to field him against
Australia in case he picked up another yellow card."
 Argentina would have stayed on in Kangar for the second round had they
emerged group champions.
 Perkerman said Aimar can now give his best without any fear because the
yellow card collected in the first round will no longer count.
 "Aimar is the key to our success. He will be calling the shots for us
against England. We are ready to make amends for the defeat to Australia."
 Aimar, 17, who plays for River Plate, is a very creative player who has
been dubbed the next Maradona. He will have to be at his best to beat a
tough England side determined to emulate the senior side who are going
great guns under Glenn Hoddle.
 "We are at our most dangerous after losing one match and will bounce
right back," warned Perkerman.
 "That is exactly what we intend to do against England.
 "We are not under-rating the English.
 "They are a solid side but we are very confident."
 Argentina, the South American champions having beaten arch rivals Brazil
2-0 in the final, are the favourites against their old Falklands enemies.
 The Argentine team, who arrived in Johor Baru yesterday afternoon, had a
training session at Larkin Stadium to familarise themselves to the ground
conditions.
 Their confidence personified but whether they can transform this into a
victory against the stubborn English is left to be seen.
 But, rest assured that Aimar will have a say in the proceedings. More so
as Argentina come up against Brazil in the quarter-finals if they win
today.
                               (END)