The third match in the German city of Gelsenkirchen will be a hard-fought competition, against a tough competitor, Jose Pekerman, Argentina's manager said.

The Serbia and Montenegro team "is a very tough rival. The fact that they had a bad start does not mean we should underestimate them. They have a lot of big players in their team," Pekerman said.

The Serbia and Montenegro team lost 0-1 to Netherlands in their first World Cup game, but Argentina won 2-1 over Cote d'Ivorie in its first game.

Pekerman specifically cited Mateja Kezman, Savo Milosevic and Predrag Djordjevic, but added that many of Serbia's players are in good physical shape and know that to do with a ball.

"We are preparing to fight a big game whatever the tactics we face," he said.

Meanwhile Serbia and Montenegro captain Milosevic was cautiously positive. "We lost to Netherlands, but we know we have to keep a positive mindset. Facing good teams is really an advantage. We know we will have a tough game, but it also gives us quality and experience," he said.

Milosevic, who plays for Spanish league team Osasuna, knows many Argentines from playing there.

"I have faced Fabricio Coloccini, Roberto Ayala, Juan Roman Riquelme... but just as I know them, they know me. There will be no surprises for either of the teams."

Serbian manager Ilija Petkovic told press that the team has not yet packed their bags, but that getting through to the next round depends on them.

In Group C Argentina and Netherlands share the lead with three points each, while Cote d'Ivorie and Serbia and Montenegro each have 0 points.