Argentina will enter the World Cup as favorites to win the whole thing. The pairings could mean that Argentina faces the host nation of Brazil in the Finals. However, before the team can begin play in Brazil, they have one more friendly against Slovenia in hopes of tuning up any late issues with the lineup.
Argentina has struggled some lately. They did win against Trinidad and Tobago, but gave up numerous goal scoring opportunities to Buenos Aires. Alejandro Sabella is hoping for different results against Slovenia, knowing this is the team's last chance to get things together before the tournament. Against Buenos Aires only five of the team's 17 shots hit the target. Argentina is going to put together a strong attack of Rodrigo Palacio, Lionel Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi will led the lineup, but Sabella is waiting in the wings and would be an excellent option for a stronger offense.
The recent goalscoring has Argentina confident they can go into Brazil and compete against their rival team.
"I hope that, just by looking at the trip we have in front of us to the end, the final could be Brazil, and for the characteristics that I see in a team, by looking at various factors, it could be Argentina," Scolari said. "I hope that we have a Brazil v Argentina final. A South American final with big players, with excellent technical qualities, but I don't want Argentina to be out in the group stage or in the knockout stages."
Slovenia has lost their last few pre-World Cup games, but Argentina believes they can mimic what some teams will be like could tournament time. Lionel Messi notes that right now his only concern is picking up extra injuries prior to the tournament. He notes that the playing a friendly is nice, but he will be cautious before heading do to Brazil.
