Argentina coach Alfio Basile claimed he has banished all thoughts of next week's showdown against Brazil until after Sunday's game against Ecuador - only to bring the game up on Thursday.

Argentina coach Alfio Basile claimed he has banished all thoughts of next week's showdown against Brazil until after Sunday's game against Ecuador - only to bring the game up on Thursday.

The road to South Africa 2010 resumes at the weekend as the Albicelestes face Ecuador in Buenos Aires, and Basile believes his team will be punished if they look beyond that game.

"Ecuador is first," he said. "We respect them a lot. They will present a big problem for us. We watched their match against France and they play with four big defenders. We'll have to pay attention to counter attacks.

"Ecuador have progressed a lot. They have a club team playing in the Copa Liberatodores Finals, so it proves that," he added, referring to Liga Deportiva Universitaria.

However, Basile did allow his mind to wander to the Brazil clash towards the end.

Brazil will be without AC Milan playmaker Kaka for the match, but that is of little comfort to Basile.

"I am not happy because they don't rely on Kaka," he said. "They always have good replacements. Diego is likely to play instead of him and he will surely do well."