Argentina's embattled coach Marcelo Bielsa needs a strong start to his team's Copa America campaign today (Shanghai time) to keep his critics at bay, and his first test will be against a confident Ecuador.

　　Bielsa, under fire at home by fans angry over his handling of the team, is fielding one of the tournament's strongest squads, although many of Argentina's top stars asked to stay home.

　　Fans still haven't forgiven Argentina for its disastrous showing at the 2002 World Cup finals. A pre-tournament favorite, Argentina played poorly and was knocked out in the first round.

　　Although Argentina is currently second in World Cup qualifying, fans blame the team's inconsistent play on Bielsa, who debuted as the team's coach at the Copa America five years ago.

　　For weeks, Argentine media have suggested anything less than the title in Peru could be cause for his dismissal, and on Monday Bielsa seemed to acknowledge his future was on the line. "Right now, anything less than the best would be considered a tremendous disappointment," he said.

　　But he insisted he expected his team would play well in Group B, the toughest of the three. "We're going to see good results," Bielsa said confidently.

　　In Ecuador, Argentina faces one of the few teams at the Copa with their top players.

　　World Cup participants in 2002, Ecuador is using the tournament to fine-tune its team for the South American qualifiers, set to resume in September. Ecuador is currently tied for fourth place with Venezuela.

　　Ecuador coach Hernan Gomez signaled a newfound confidence by an Ecuadorean team once considered a South American doormat, but now respected after its World Cup appearance two years ago.

　　He said a few years ago, Ecuador would have been overwhelmed by the prospect of playing Argentina. But no more.

　　"Before, we would stand in shock, looking at their faces, their legs, their shoes. We would be star struck when playing Argentina," Gomez said.

　　"But now we feel we're capable of playing with them."

　　Meanwhile, midfielder Kleberson injured a leg muscle on Tuesday that will keep him from playing in Brazil's opening match against Chile, the team doctor said.

　　Kleberson injured his left thigh muscle during Brazil's last full practice before its debut in the tournament tomorrow.

　　The 25-year-old Manchester United midfielder is one of the most experienced players in Brazil's Copa America roster.

　　(The Associated Press)