| Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira says he is unconcerned that his side is on course for an early encounter with Argentina in the Copa America.
The bitter rivals could meet in the quarterfinals after Argentina's indifferent start to the tournament.
Brazil tops Group C with six points from two games while Argentina sits in third place in Group B after losing 0-1 to Mexico.
With Brazil meeting Paraguay in its last group game tomorrow, anything but a win over Uruguay today may mean Argentina qualifying as one of the two best third-placed teams - and earning a quarterfinal meeting with the world champion.
"Argentina are a very high quality team, technically speaking, and meeting them would be a great test for this young team we are putting together," Parreira said in Arequipa.
The Brazil coach has opted to rest most first-choice players for a tournament that is played every two years.
Argentina has similarly rested Pablo Aimar, Walter Samuels and Hernan Crespo after grueling European seasons, but with players such as Roberto Ayala, Cristian Gonzalez and Javier Saviola present, it is closer to full-strength than Brazil.
Meanwhile, Brazil forward Adriano, who has scored three goals so far, is hoping his performance will help secure him a spot on his country's main national team alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Adriano scored all three of his goals last Sunday as Brazil defeated Costa Rica 4-1 in Group C.
The Inter Milan striker is one of the players being tested by Parreira ahead of the next set of World Cup qualifying matches, which resume in September.
"I think I could play in the main squad with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho Gaucho and all those established players," Adriano said on Monday. "I just need to continue doing my job on the field.
"I know I still need to work very hard to be on the same level as those guys, but I'm glad I got a good start here," Adriano said.
The 22-year-old had an above-average performance against Costa Rica, being named the game's most valuable player.
Even Luis Fabiano, who also is fighting for a place in Parreira's main squad, praised Adriano's efforts.
"He took advantage of the opportunities he had, I hope he can keep that up to help us reach far in this competition," Luis Fabiano said.
Adriano, who alongside Saviola leads the Copa with three goals, is said to be at the top of Parreira's list of probable players for the 2006 World Cup.
(Reuters/AP)
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