The heady optimism following that success and the earlier 2-1 win over Ivory Coast "are part of the game but we are trying to stay detached from it all. The win over Serbia and Montenegro was very important - but guarantees nothing," said Crespo, two goals to his name already at the tournament.

The Chelsea striker added that the two wins "do not change the way we are approaching things."

With Brazil struggling to find their form and Argentina on song the albiceleste are being talked up in some quarters as potential champions.

"Yes, we are playing very well but there's still a lot to do," said Crespo, who has bitter experience of two previously disappointing World Cup finals campaigns.

Coach Jose Pekerman has also been urging the squad to keep their feet on the ground.

Crespo's teammate Javier Saviola forecast that Argentina and The Netherlands would go all out for three points to win the group.

"The two teams are looking for a victory - without speculating on who they will play thereafter," Saviola said.

A draw would see Argentina top the group, however, on goal difference and then play the runner-up of Group D - either Portugal, Mexico or Angola.