Argentina Has Plenty to Play for

Argentina can’t afford to lose to Brazil in today’s Copa America final at Lima, Peru.

Any loss to their nemesis torments Argentines, but to fail against what is effectively Brazil’s “B” team would be even worse at National Stadium.

Argentina’s first final anywhere in 11 years has inspired its demanding fans, and started to heal the wounds from the 2002 World Cup disaster, when the pre-Cup favorite was ousted in the first round.

“Anything less than the best would be considered a tremendous disappointment,” Argentina Coach Marcelo Bielsa said.

Brazil has a ready-made excuse should it lose.

“Our success in this competition won’t be measured by the final result,” Brazil Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

“We really want the title, but we already gained a lot just by being able to closely observe this group of talented players.”

In Saturday’s third-place game, Vicente Sanchez scored with nine minutes left to give Uruguay a 2-1 victory over Colombia at Cuzco, Peru.

Chelsea Prevails

Mateja Kezman scored two goals in the second half to lead Chelsea over Celtic, 4-2, in the opening game of the ChampionsWorld Series at Seattle.

Eidur Gudjohnsen set up Kezman’s first goal at the 53rd minute, tapping a short volley pass to Kezman who beat Magnus Hedman. Kezman’s second goal came in the 74th minute after taking a through ball from defender Glen Johnson.

Manchester United plays Bayern Munich today at sold-out Soldier Field in Chicago.

Quick Passes

Juergen Klinsmann flew to Germany on Saturday after confirming he plans to become coach of the German national soccer team, but he disputed reports that an agreement would be finalized today.... Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, 26, has agreed to a new five-year contract with the London club.

Greece captain Theodoros Zagorakis has signed a two-year contract with Italian Serie A club Bologna.... Spanish striker Fernando Morientes confirmed that he will stay with Real Madrid for another season.

Defending champion Japan became the second team to qualify for the Asian Cup quarterfinals after Yuji Nakazawa scored two goals in a 4-1 victory over Thailand at Chongqing, China. In another match, Iran escaped with a 2-2 tie against Oman

ON TV

* Copa America championship, Brazil vs. Argentina, 12:30 P.M., Channel 34

* ChampionsWorld Series, Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich, 1 p.m., Fox Sports World and Fox Sports en Espanol.