The sending home of defender Aaron Galindo and midfielder Salvador Carmona on suspicion of taking the banned steroid nandrolone before the Confed Cup began has cast a heavy shadow over Mexico's build-up to this Confederations Cup semi-final. But Pardo said: "It's true we'll be missing two of our best players but we're strong enough to take on Argentina."

Mexico, who welcome back Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez after injury, are seeking to repeat their shock 4-3 win over Brazil in the 1999 Confed Cup final. And Maraquez said: "I'm proud of what my teammates have accomplished so far. It's a young side that's done well to adapt to the tactics adopted by the manager. Argentina are one of the best sides in the world but we're ready."

"It's been a long time since we lost, which proves our team can go far. Our goals is to play the final and win the tournament. We can beat anyone," he added.

Argentina coach pleased with team's displays

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman is thrilled with the way his team have progressed here this month, praising the side's performance in their 2-2 draw with Germany. "We knew we could play like that, but we have to keep working to find stability as we didn't succeed in controlling the game in the first half," he told the traditional eve-of-match press conference.

"I saw some excellent moves, of football played at a very high standard, especially in the second half," he added.

His opposite number Ricardo La Volpe, who is taking on the country of his birth, is looking for his side to stretch their unbeaten run to 22. "No team's unbeatable. This match is like any other," he said.

Saviola and Co. wary of Mexican threat

Argentina striker Javier Saviola spelled out the dangers presented by Mexico. "We've got to be careful," warned the Monaco star. "Mexico have proved tough opposition for us in the past. Their style of play is very different to ours. They're fast and well organized; we've got to be calm."

He added: "We've improved as the competition's progressed, and this match will be an interesting benchmark to see where we stand one year from the World Cup."

Argentina have excelled in attack, but also boast a leaky defense, with five goals slipping past keeper German Lux. "I don't believe we are weak defensively. There are things we're working on; we've got to make sure we don't make any errors. Argentina are always favorites and we hope to live up to that on Sunday," said the young River Plate keeper for whom this competition has proved a steep learning curve.

Argentina will be missing central defender Walter Samuel who is suspended.

The match is being held in honor of Mark Vivien Foe, the Cameroon player who collapsed and died at the 2003 Confederations Cup in France.