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[panoramix]

It is football's unpredictable nature that makes it the game it is; the fact that anything can happen in any particular match makes it one of the world's best-loved sports. But when the setting is the first match of the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005, and the protagonists are Argentina and Tunisia, then the suspense is even greater.

True, Argentina are favourites ? it would be futile to deny it ? yet the Tunisians arrive on German soil as African champions and with no intention of conceding defeat before a ball has been kicked. Indeed, given the similarities and differences between the sides, their meeting could prove an enthralling one, particularly on a tactical level. After that, it will all come down to football.

Winging to victory

This game may be won and lost down the flanks. Both teams ask their full-backs to get forward, so that could become one of the key battlegrounds. For Argentina coach Jose Pekerman, much will depend on what Javier Zanetti down the right, and Juan Sorin or Gabriel Heinze down the left, can deliver.

All three have shown themselves capable of surprising even the best-drilled defences with their attacking forays, but it is Sorin who could pose the biggest threat ? his crossing ability seems to guarantee at least one goal-scoring opportunity per game.

Meanwhile, Tunisia carry the threat of Hatem Trabelsi on the right wing, and Clayton on the left. Trabelsi, in particular, should worry Argentina. A leader of this Tunisian side and a veritable driving force, he draws on his immense experience to read opposition attacks before breaking forward. On the opposite touchline, the naturalised Clayton is a classic exponent of the art of full-back play, as perfected by his original Brazilian compatriots. He gives coach Roger Lemerre genuine width as well as a dangerous shot from distance.

The weight of history

A team's history is another factor in any match, and on this occasion it could work against Argentina. The Albiceleste are simply obliged to win every game, whoever the opponent. And although Pekerman is well able to adjust his tactics depending on who he is facing, it is doubtful he will take too many chances. He is also up against fleet-of-foot forwards Ziad Jaziri and Santos, and if that pair are on song their pace could prove decisive.

As well as their attacking prowess, the North Africans have also proved themselves adept at playing when not in possession ? dropping back, regrouping and breaking to devastating effect, while making full use of their pacy strikers. Switch off for just a second, and Pekerman's defence could pay dearly.

At the same time, Lemerre will want to avoid sitting too deep and relying too much on the counterattack. Argentina demonstrated against Brazil only last week ? in their FIFA World Cup? qualifying victory ? that they are especially dangerous with the ball, and never more so than when it is at the feet of an in-the-mood Juan Riquelme. So Lemerre and company will be anxious to avoid going a goal behind, which would demand a complete tactical rethink.

As for a prediction, the Argentinian journalist Dante Panzeri once described football as a "force for the unexpected". Which is as good a reason as any to watch Argentina-Tunisia.