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Argentina boss out to spoil Aviva party

The first international football match takes place at the Aviva this evening as Ireland entertain Argentina
The first international football match takes place at the Aviva this evening as Ireland entertain Argentina

Argentina caretaker manager Sergio Batista is determined to see his side rain on Robbie Keane's parade tonight.

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The Republic of Ireland captain and his country's all-time leading goalscorer with 43 will win his 100th cap in a prestigious friendly against the double World Cup winners.

The game also marks the first international in the Republic's new home, the £350million, 50,000-seater Aviva Stadium that has taken three years to construct.

But with Argentina eager to put their World Cup heartache behind them after losing 4-0 to Germany in a quarter-final just 40 days ago, hopes of a celebration may be crushed.

‘Whether it's a friendly or competitive game, a match with Ireland is always a tough challenge,’ said Batista, in temporary charge after the Argentinian Football Association opted not to renew Diego Maradona's contract.

‘So we are going into it as if it was a competitive international. I'm sure it is going to be a really serious game.’

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