Argentina cautious

Pekerman has a star-studded squad at his disposal in Germany, despite resting Hernan Crespo and Roberto Ayala, but refuses to get carried away about his side's chances in a competition also including Brazil, Mexico, hosts Germany, Japan, Australia and European champions Greece.

"Today, the big teams are all there to be shot down and Tunisia and the other teams have to be treated with respect," said the Argentina coach, who is expected to start with in-form Juan Roman Riquelme behind a front pairing of Javier Saviola and Luciano Galletti.

"They've tried to put pressure on us by saying we're favourites, but they've got a good squad," said Manchester United defender Gabi Heinze, likely to start at left back in a back three.

Tunisia boss Roger Lemerre - who guided the country to African Nations Cup glory in 2004 - will expect full-backs Hatem Trabelsi and naturalised Brazilian Clayton to push on and deny Argentina room with Paris St. Germain playmaker Selim Benachour looking to create attacking options.

Argentina: Lux - Gonzalo Rodriguez, Coloccini, Heinze - Santana, Bernardi, Sorin - Riquelme, Maxi Rodriguez - Galletti, Saviola

Tunisia: Boumnijel - Trabelsi, Abdi, Jaidi, Clayton - Chedli, Nafti, Mnari (or Ghohdbane) - Ben Saada (or Benachour) - Jaziri, Santos