No need to cry, Argentina

Saturday 13th February 2010

Argentina's World Cup train almost became derailed in the recent friendly against Jamaica, with the Reggae Boyz on top until the closing minutes of the game. The Press Association (PA) reports the dying moments of the match - and Argentina's face-saving comeback in a match they were widely expected to win. Palermo scored the Argentinean equaliser with 83 minutes on the clock, wiping out the Jamaican lead that had stood since Ryan Johnson scored for the underdogs. A draw may have seemed like the fair outcome, but Canutto - who only stepped on to the pitch in the 89th minute as a substitute - had other ideas for Argentina. He scored from a pass that came in from the team's first goal-scorer, Palermo, which the PA suggests could have a part to play in Palermo's likelihood of making the team list for Argentina at the 2010 World Cup finals. Argentina could seem like a good bet for the outright win in South Africa; while rivalry may mean many Britons choose not to bet on the nation, lengthening the team's odds, they remain among the favourites at around 10/1.