Too early to judge Argentina's potential - Pekerman

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, June 20 (Reuters) Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said it was too early to tell if his side could win the World Cup.

Pekerman's side turned on the style in their previous match, hammering Group C rivals Serbia&Montenegro 6-0 after starting their campaign with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.

''What the team have been stating on the pitch is Argentina have potential,'' Pekerman told reporters today.

''From that to being (title) candidates it is too premature to say. We at least don't see it that way,'' said Pekerman on the eve of their final group match against Netherlands in Frankfurt.

The Argentina coach said other teams had also proved their worth in the opening stages of the tournament.

''The scoring power Argentina showed might be the reason everyone is talking about the team but other sides have also played well and this needs to be said,'' said Pekerman.

''Fortunately, in our two matches, even more in the second, they shone and reiterated the value placed on Argentina and that's why I place importance on tomorrow's match.'' If they beat the Dutch or draw they will stay top and play in Leipzig in the second round on Saturday.

GREAT TEAM ''Tomorrow we face a great team that is faithful to its history, its good football,'' said Pekerman.

''They have always sought to play a possession game, down the wings, being creative and leaning on the technical ability of their players.

''In this I see many similarities with Argentina...they have brought in a lot of new players who have not yet reached their maximum but I see them becoming a very good team.'' Argentina are likely to meet Mexico or Portugal in the second round.

''We still haven't seen the best of Mexico or Portugal. In the later stages they are going to be very tough teams,'' he said.

Turning to other sides, Pekerman said Spain had done well to come back against Tunisia to win 3-1 yesterday.

''Spain always play well...but often when behind they have been unable to turn the match round so for me this victory has a special flavour for Spain. It will give them mental strength and shows a Spain team on the right track,'' he said.

Pekerman said it was premature to pass judgment on Brazil after two laboured victories had put the holders in the second round.

''We know what Brazil are, their potential. They are probably in transitional situations. The same could be happening with France, Italy, with teams that maybe still haven't shown all their cards.'' REUTERS AY PM1959