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Dunga is backing Argentina

CAMPO GRANDE, Brazil - Brazil coach Dunga predicts Argentina will reach next year's World Cup in South Africa without needing a playoff.

CAMPO GRANDE, Brazil - Brazil coach Dunga predicts Argentina will reach next year's World Cup in South Africa without needing a playoff.

Argentina play away to Uruguay in the final round of South American qualifying today.

Argentina will finish fourth in South American qualifying if they win the match, which would give them the final automatic qualifying berth.

Brazil, Paraguay and Chile have claimed the first three spots.

Argentina can also advance automatically with a draw.

"Uruguay is going to have to go for it, and that could give Argentina lots of space to play in," Dunga said.

"They will be over the nervousness and will play much better."

Argentina salvaged a 2-1 victory on Saturday against Peru, winning on Martin Palermo's scrambled goal in injury time.

"Anyone who works in football knows Argentina not only had to beat Peru, but also a case of the nerves," Dunga said.

Argentina have 25 points, Uruguay 24 and Ecuador 23 .

The fifth-placed team earns a playoffwith the No 4 team from North and Central America and the Caribbean for another berth. - Sapa-AP

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