Ireland may have only an indirect interest in the World Cup finals, but it's surprising how often a scene from a game at Lansdowne Road pops up on television screens here.

Argentina's Ariel Ortega is billed as one of the big attractions of the bluebloods gathered in France, and his memorable goal against Ireland in April is replayed time and again to illustrate his delicate skills.

They weren't exactly profuse in their opening win over Japan in Toulouse last Sunday, but Daniel Passarella, the Argentinian manager, is predicting a more authentic performance from Ortega tomorrow.

Ultimately, they were rescued in the Japanese game by the predatory instincts of Gabriel Batistuta, and no less than Ortega, he will again have an important role to play if the South Americans are to achieve their expected win.

Claudio Lopez, who was injured early in Toulouse, and Nelson Vivas will be required to prove their fitness before Passarella completes his team shortly before the kick-off.

There was precious little in Jamaica's 3-1 defeat by Croatia to suggest that their first appearance in the finals will be short.

Yet manager Rene Simoes refuses to be pessimistic. "We realise that we're privileged to be on the same pitch as players like Batistuta," he says. "He is brilliant, a player who can win games with just one touch.

"We did not perform as well as we should against Croatia but this is a chance to put that right."

For all of Simoes' defiance, this should be little more than a training spin for Passarella and his men as they push on towards a place in the last 16.

Key Player: Juan Veron.

Age: 23. Club: Sampdoria.

Caps: 16. Goals: 1.

Veron IS known as Brujita or The Little Wizard in Argentina, a tribute to his lineage as much as his refined skills in Daniel Passerella's midfield. His father was known as Le Bruja (The Wizard) in a celebrated career with Estudiantes in the 1960s. The younger member of the clan has delivered on his pedigree.

Strengths: Superb skills on the ball and a quality of pass which has quickened Gabriel Battistuta's climb to the top.

Weakness: Likes to work in space and doesn't relish man to man marking.