FOOTBALL NEWS - ARGENTINA BEAT HAITI IN WARM UP

Argentina played without its Europe-based stars, with coach Diego Maradona taking a look at local players who may make his 23-man squad.







Boca Juniors' Martin Palermo, the club's all-time leading scorer, helped his chances with a goal. Facundo Bertoglio scored two and Sebastian Blanco added the other.






Many of the Haitian players lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12. The highlight for many of the team appeared to have been lining up at halftime to snap a photo with Maradona.






Palermo is looking to force a place in the World Cup squad, which includes top Europe-based strikers Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) and Diego Milito (Inter Milan).






Two-time champion Argentina opens its World Cup campaign on June 12 against Nigeria in Group B, which also includes South Korea and Greece. The top two teams in each group advance to the final 16 knockout stage.