Currently eighth in the FIFA world rankings, Argentina has won the World Cup, in 1978 and 1986. It has won the Copa América 14 times, won the Confederations Cup in 1992 and the Olympics in 2004 and 2008. Again, Argentina have won the three most prestigious titles recognized by FIFA: the World Cup, the Confederations Cup, and the Olympic tournament.
With such a glorious record in international football, the sight of Argentina struggling to qualify for a World Cup was a rare one but under the leadership of Diego Maradona that's precisely the situation they were in.
Argentina – The road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
10 teams battled it out for the five slots in the World Cup finals from South America.
Argentina knew that this was not an easy job and that their very best was needed. Providing inspiration and momentum, the Albicelestes started their campaign in the World Cup qualifiers on a good note, defeating Chile 2-0 in Buenos Aires, both netted by Riquelme.
The next match was against Venezuela, and Argentina won the away game 2-0 with Lionel Messi getting his first goal of the qualification. The third round was a comparatively easy win 3-0, against Bolivia.
But the shock was just waiting round the corner and the South American giants were however surprised by Colombia, who beat them 2-1 in the 4th Round.
The results of the next four rounds, all draws against Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru further dampened the spirit of the millions of supporters, not just in Argentina, but the world over.
Lionel Messi and Aguero then came to the rescue of the Albicelestes in the 9th Round, powering Argentina to a 2-1 home victory against Uruguay.
But things were put in the correct perspective when Chile had the last laugh with a 1-0 win at the Estadio Nacional, in Santiago. Ten rounds were over and the giant of the green field had only four wins to showcase, along with four draws and two crippling defeats. Qualification to the finals began to assume gigantic proportions.
The saviour, the national association thought was the legend Diego Maradona. In November 2008, the former Argentina player and captain Diego Maradona was named as the new coach. His introduction as a manager was certainly a new lease of life for him, but it was also the beginning of a sordid period for the team.
But it was ‘roses roses all the way’ in the first match with the legendary footballer as the coach. The Albicelestes crushed Venezuela 4-0 with Lionel Messi, playing in number 10 jersey, for the first time, scoring the opener and a goal each from Tévez, Rodríguez and Agüero.
However a severe jolt was in store. The Argentines were astonishingly trounced 6-1 by Bolivia away from home in Round 12. Maradona made changes after changes in the team, now going for experience, now trying out fresh talent. But they lost three more in the next four games and the chances of participating in the 2010 World Cup dimmed further.
But fortune smiled at the coach and the team in the last two fixtures. A 2-1 win against Peru and a solitary goal (scored by Bolatti in the 82nd minute) victory over Uruguay saw Argentina secure the fourth and last automatic place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals with 28 points.
Result of qualifiers:
Round 1: Argentina 2-0 Chile
Round 2: Venezuela 0-2 Argentina
Round 3: Argentina 3-0 Bolivia
Round 4: Colombia 2-1 Argentina
Round 5: Argentina 1-1 Ecuador
Round 6: Brazil 0-0 Argentina
Round 7: Argentina 1-1 Paraguay
Round 8: Peru 1-1 Argentina
Round 9: Argentina 2-1 Uruguay
Round 10: Chile 1-0 Argentina
Round 11: Argentina 4-0 Venezuela
Round 12: Bolivia 6-1 Argentina
Round 13: Argentina 1-0 Colombia
Round 14: Ecuador 2-0 Argentina
Round 15: Argentina 1-3 Brazil
Round 16: Paraguay 1-0 Argentina
Round 17: Argentina 2-1 Peru
Round 18: Uruguay 0-1 Argentina
Argentina – 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage
Argentina are placed in Group B as top seeds along with Nigeria, Korea Republic, and Greece.
Match-day 1: Argentina vs Nigeria
First face-off will be against African Nations Cup runner-up Nigeria at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Argentina will obviously look for a flying start to theirCup campaign.
This will certainly be a very hard opening game for the Albicelestes, as the Nigerians play a carefree game and are not overwhelmed by reputations. More over they have nothing to lose and all the pressure will be on the South Americans. Argentines will be under the scanner after their dismal show in the qualifiers.
The match will be crucial for the temperamental Coach Diego Maradona
This match will kick-off on June 12 2010, at 16:00 local time.
Match-day 2: Argentina vs Korea Republic
Argentina next plays the Korea Republic at the Soccer City in Johannesburg, on June 17 2010, at 13:30 local time.
Korea Republic is regarded by some as the group’s weakest squad. Argentina has an opportunity here to earn the maximum. But the Koreans are no write-offs and will fight to the bitter end.
Match-day 3: Greece vs Argentina
Argentina’s last fixture in Group B will be against Greece, the 2004 champions. This game is scheduled to begin at 20:30 local time, on June 22 2010.
Greece dies not have many things to show off after their one-off victory in 2004. But the team has regrouped and is strong on defence and set pieces.
Argentina has a fight here at their hands, but can turn out victorious, if the coach can utilize the talent he has under his command effectively.
Expectations from the country and its top stars
Argentina would have no justification if they were to have an ignominious exit from the World Cup finals, as their team is well placed in terms of players who can deliver. .
Star men
Sergio Aguero
:
The Atletico Madrid forward’s performance during the World Cup qualifiers was not very impressive. But Aguero has a lot to prove and he has the talent for it. He had performed superbly in the 2007 U-20 World Cup and had earned the Golden Boot scoring six goals, and the Golden Ball too awarded to the best player. In the semi final ot 2008 Beijing Olympics, Agüero scored two goals in five minutes to defeat Brazil 3-0
Lionel Messi:
Hailed by the Maradona himself as his 'successor', Messi possess the same thrilling ball control and graceful weaving between opposition defenders. He scored no less than 38 La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League goals to lead Barcelona to a first-time Spanish treble. This performance cemented Messi as one of the world's best players. In what could be termed a personal duel with Ronaldo in the Champions League final, Messi came out on top with a stunning crucial goal and the championship.
Like all champion performers, Messi is also most likely to raise his performance level befitting the big occasion that the World Cup is. South Africa also provides him an opportunity to get out of the comparisons to Maradona, flattering though they are, and create standards and legends of his own.
Javier Mascherano:
The captain of the squad, Mascherano has tremendous passion for the game and great determination. The belligerent midfielder plays a no-holds barred game with the sole purpose of throwing the opposition into disarray so that his team mates gets possession and space to move forward. He is tenacious in tackling and intelligent in passing. His leadership quality will be tested at the World Cup and a top notch performance from Mascherano is a must for Argentina to reach anywhere in the World Cup arena.
Carlos Tevez::
Tevez was described by Diego Maradona as the "Argentine prophet for the 21st century” He has made 51 appearances for the national team, scoring 8 goals. The Manchester City striker has not risen up to his reputation in recent times and will have to come out with sterling displays to be of use to Argentina.
Diego Maradona:
Testing times for the football ‘god’. Just as in his playing days, controversies do not leave him or rather, he thrives on controversies. One day he is hailed and is brought down the very next day. He has not shown consistency in his plans and decisions, a statement born out by the fact that he tried as many as 100 players for the national team after he took over as the coach.
The task for him is cut out. Convert the abundant talent under his command into a viable working machine that doesn’t leave any chink for the opponent to sneak in. But above all he has to maintain his calm and remain dispassionate.
Argentina – World Cup records
2010: Qualified as participants
2006, 1998, 1966: Quarterfinals
2002, 1962, 1958, 1934: Round 1
1994: Round of 16
1990, 1930: Second Place
1986, 1978: Champions
1982, 1974: Round 2
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