BUENOS AIRES, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Javier Zanetti will become
Argentina's most capped international if he plays in Saturday's
World Cup qualifier at home to Bolivia.
Zanetti won his 115th cap in the 2-0 win in Venezuela in
October, equalling the record set by former captain Roberto
Ayala who quit international football in July.
'When I began my national team career in 1994 against Chile,
when Daniel Passarella was coach, I never imagined this could
happen,' said Zanetti, who has returned to the side after being
left out of the World Cup squad last year.
'I have been through some bitter moments, such as not being
part of the squad in the last World Cup, but that's over. I like
to enjoy the present.
'I wait anxiously for every squad announcement, as if it
were the first time. To be able to wear this shirt is something
which has no comparison.'
Argentina won their opening two games in the South American
group last month and are expected to maintain their 100 percent
record against a team who have taken only one point and have yet
to score a goal.
Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme missed training on Wednesday
with a cold and high temperature but Argentine media said he was
expected to be fit for Saturday.
Riquelme continues to play the pivotal role in midfield
despite his lack of match practice with his club Villarreal,
where he has fallen out with coach Manuel Pellegrini.
With Bolivia expected to defend in depth, coach Alfio Basile
may be tempted to field Lionel Messi, Hernan Crespo and Carlos
Tevez together in a bold, three-pronged attack.
He experimented with the line-up during Wednesday's practice
where Federico Insua took Riquelme's place.
