Despite their struggle to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa, Argentina will once again be amongst the favourite teams to lift the coveted World Cup trophy this year.
After all, Argentina are one of the most successful national football teams in the world, and are currently eighth in the FIFA world rankings. They have also won more international titles than any other national team - 19, a record shared with Uruguay.
Argentina will be attempting to win the World Cup for the third time after winning it in 1978 and 1986. But they will do well not to repeat the nightmarish display at Korea/Japan in 2002 where they were eliminated at the group stage despite being among the pre-tournament favourites.
Argentina did reasonably well in Germany in 2006 where they lost 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out against hosts Germany after a 1-1 draw. This match will be remembered for the brawl that erupted between the two teams after the game ended.
Unused substitute Leandro Cufre was sent off for kicking Per Mertesacker, while Maxi Rodriguez hit Bastian Schweinsteiger from behind. Following an investigation of video evidence, FIFA doled out four-game and two-game suspensions for Cufre and Rodriguez, respectively. Germany's Torsten Frings was suspended for the semifinal match for punching Julio Ricardo Cruz. Let's hope there won't be a repeat of that this year!
Coach: Diego Maradona
After winning the World Cup as a player in 1986, Argentina coach Diego Maradona will be hoping to write his name in the record books as one of the few individuals who have both won the World Cup as a player and a coach. And with stars like Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano at his disposal, Maradona will surely fancy his chances of winning the World Cup.
Captain: Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano is the man who makes things happens for Argentina in the middle of the park. Mascherano often acts as a cover to attacking players like Messi and Tevez. His ball distribution skills make him one of the most dangerous central midfielders in the world.
Star players: Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero
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