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England gets 2006 boost from Argentina
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Officials promoting England's bid to host the 2006 World Cup are saying they have the support of Argentina Prime Minister Carlos Menem.The prime minister met a delegation from the English Football Association, including 1966 star Bobby Charlton, sports minister Tony Banks and bid leader Alec McGivan, on Friday. Although Argentina is thinking over making its own bid, Menem told them he would support England's bid if theirs didn't happen.
"This is another enormous boost for the campaign," said McGivan, whose bid faces opposition from Germany and South Africa and likely from Brazil.
"We are very honored that President Menem took time out from his busy schedule to meet us and that he has thrown his full weight behind us."
Two weeks ago, FIFA president Joao Havelange gave England's bid his personal support even though he will have retired when the vote is taken in June of 2000.
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GROUP A: Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Scotland
GROUP B: Austria, Cameroon, Chile, Italy
GROUP C: Denmark, France, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
GROUP D: Bulgaria, Nigeria, Paraguay, Spain
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GROUP F: Germany, Iran, United States, Yugoslavia
GROUP G: Colombia, England, Romania, Tunisia
GROUP H: Argentina, Croatia, Jamaica, Japan