Crespo to emerge from Batistuta shadow (19 May 2006 21:03 GMT)
With 29 goals, Crespo is the third-leading goal scorer in Argentine history behind Batistuta with 56, and superstar Diego Maradona, with 34. Crespo scored 16 of those goals in World Cup qualifiers.
For Marcelo Bielsa, Argentina's previous coach, Crespo was always second to Batistuta.
"It's the coach who decides if you're going to play 90 minutes, or 10 or five," Crespo said. "Of course I want to play. So we'll wait and see what happens. I hope I get more minutes than in the previous World Cups."
"I bear no grudge against Bielsa," he added. "But possibly, Pekerman's system works more in my favor."
Crespo is a classic striker. He does not initiate plays, but ends them, receiving the ball in or near the penalty area. His shot with either foot or with his head is lethal. Crespo is ready to uncork those shots next month.
"I've always worked hard to be there," he said.
source : Associated Press