Argentina search for keeper

Saja is the people's choice to play in goal for Argentina

By BBC Sport Online's Tim Vickery

Argentina will use their World Cup warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday to help solve their goalkeeping dilemma.

There are other squad places up for grabs too, but the most crucial for Argentina remains who will claim the number one jersey.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa kept a settled squad throughout the triumphant qualification campaign.

But the lack of a top-class goalkeeper is the biggest question mark against Argentina's World Cup challenge.

Current first choice Burgos convinces nobody - some unkind elements in the press even refer to him as Venus de Milo.

Burgos is Argentina's current first-choice goalkeeper

And reserve Pablo Caballero has rarely looked convincing when called upon.

For this game, then, Bielsa has recalled Roberto Bonano, of Barcelona, who began the qualification campaign as first choice.

But there will be far more interest back home in the performance of San Lorenzo's Sebastian Saja.

Just 22, Saja has emerged in recent months as the peoples' choice, recently winning an internet poll where supporters were asked to choose Argentina's Number 1.

He is stocky and an excellent shot stopper with a big personality and a howitzer left foot - but has a weakness in dealing with crosses.

Elsewhere, squad defenders Pochettino and Berizzo are both injured - the latter seems certain to miss the World Cup.

So Bielsa badly needs to have a look at some new reserves.

A deputy for Veron

The urgency of the circumstances has forced Bielsa to go for experience - Jose Chamot, a veteran of two World Cups and Napoli's 24-year-old Facundo Quiroga.

Burdisso and Coloccini, an excellent duo from last year's World Youth Cup, have been overlooked.

Bielsa will also be looking at replacements for Juan Sebastian Veron, who may not be fit to face Wales.

Pablo Aimar has previously looked a lightweight deputy, but he has been given another chance.

He is joined in the squad by his colleague from the 1997 World Youth Cup win, Roman Riquelme.

Not selected since the 1999 Copa America, Riquelme's absence from the national side has generated great controversy in Argentina.

Bielsa suspects that the rhythm of his game is too slow for Argentina's all-action style.

Saviola is an exciting talent

Riquelme has a chance to prove his coach wrong at the Millennium Stadium.

Another interesting midfielder, also from the 1997 World Youth Cup side, is the blonde Esteban Cambiasso.

Versatility and a nice left foot could get him on the plane to Japan.

Up front Crespo and Batistuta battle for the centre forward position. Next in line is Julio Cruz.

He has not done well in his few opportunities, and needs a good game in Cardiff to keep his place in the squad.

He is under pressure from the 20 year old Javier Saviola, a wonderfully talented striker who seems set to enjoy a long international career.

At the other extreme of the age scale is Claudio Caniggia, 35, who also gets a chance to impress.