Argentina
Argentina were the first South American team to secure their place at Germany 2006, but they didn’t top the group, on the last day of qualification Brazil pipped them to first place on goal difference.
Argentina were seeded and were harshly placed in Group C with Holland, Ivory Coast and the unlucky Serbia & Montenegro: this group has consequently been named 'the group of death', but in the end, Argentina made light work of getting into the last 16.
The Argentine manager, Jose Pekerman, is one of the world’s experts on developing young players. He lead the Argentina side to the World Youth Cup in 1995, 1997 and 2001. However, many pundits are doubtful whether he can match the success in the top flight.
Argentina are a global force in football and have won the World Cup twice, in 1978 and 1986.
Argentina has produced one of the best World Cup players ever in Diego Maradona, who was outstanding in the 1986 World Cup and hopes of a new Maradona have been rekindled repeatedly, but no-one has lived up to the hype ...yet.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi has incredible potential, if he performs then Argentina could be unstoppable. They are ranked fourth in the world, however Pekerman has been careful to keep the pressure off his players, saying:
"There are several good teams that might reach the latter stages, but the only real title contender is Brazil. It is not very often you get such a clear favourite ..."
Argentina had the best start of any team to the World Cup with excellent victories over the Ivory Coast and a 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro - that ensured qualification to the last 16.
Their 0-0 draw against Holland ensured they topped their group and booked a last 16 encounter with Mexico.
It was a classic encounter which was eventually settled by a superb goal in extra-time from Maxi Rodriguez giving Argentina a 2-1 victory that ensured a quarter-final clash against Germany.
Once again, Argentina played well in the quarter-finals, but with the match against Germany 1-1 after extra time, the game went to penalties. Germany's goalkeeper, Lehman saved from Ayala and Cambiasso, and Argentina went out 4-2 on penalties.
After the game, Jose Pekerman quit as coach of Argentina.
Argentina Squad:
Player Club Position Caps Goals
R Abbondancieri Boca Juniors G 21 0
L Franco Atl. Madrid G 3 0
O Ustari Independiente G 0 0
R Ayala Valencia D 99 6
N Burdisso Inter D 7 0
F Coloccini Deportivo D 23 1
L Cufre Siena D 2 0
Gabriel Milito Real Zaragoza D 14 0
G Heinze Man Utd D 28 1
L Scaloni Deportivo D 5 0
J Sorin Villarreal D 70 10
P Aimar Valencia M 39 7
E Cambiasso Inter M 21 1
J Mascherano Corinthians M 14 0
Oscar Luis Gonzalez Porto M 27 5
J Riquelme Villarreal M 30 8
C Tevez Corinthians M 20 3
H Crespo Chelsea F 54 29
J Cruz Inter F 15 3
Maxi Rodriguez Atl. Madrid F 12 2
L Messi Barcelona F 6 1
R Palacio Boca Juniors F 2 0
J Saviola Monaco F 30 9
Argentina World Cup profile by Ben Rosenbaum
