If Crocodile has a limited/finite, like not in a desert, then Goku'll need a powerful wave attack to fully beat him. Not convinced that his wave attack was that strong yet.
Hm, which of Crocodiles moves would be harmful to Goku?
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Battle not in a desert. Lets not forget how fast is Goku at this point of the series, I think he can dodge and tank most of Crocodile's attacks for quite a long time.
He has to touch you with his hand, or use great amounts of sand.
Let's not forget that Goku has fought a variety of opponents in the Red Ribbon Army already. There's that monster he cannot physically hurt and he froze in order to break it, so we know that once he figures he can't hurt Crocodile he will try to find a way to ko him.
In the other hand Croc is very smart, is bastard and can OHKO using his attacks with moisture if he manages to touch Goku, he has the starting advantage thanks to intangibility. He'll likely try to trick Goku to suck his moisture once he notice how fast he is.
goku maybe too unintelligent to realize that water is crocs weakness but Goku has enough energy waves to vaporize matter which will eventually vaporize sand from croc