Argentina has an impressive Soccer Worldcup portfolio. Their only unsuccessful qualification was in 1970. Due to political issues they chose not to partake in three Soccer Worldcups; however since 1974 they’ve participated in every Soccer Worldcup and were eliminated for the first and only time, in the first round in 2002.
As the 1978 Argentina Worldcup and the 1986 FIFA Worldcup Mexico champions, La Albiceleste faced a series of challenging 2010 world soccer qualifying matches. But having overcome various setbacks, the Argentine soccer team are focused on winning the World Football Cup 2010 for the first time in 24 years. Fortunately this goal may well become a reality as coach, Diego Armando Maradona, has top quality players in his squad (including several players responsible for the team’s quarter finals game at the Germany 2006 World Cup).
The Champion Soccer Worldcup Players
Argentine Soccer Jersey
The Argentine soccer team is home to one of the world’s best football players, Lionel Messi. Thus it’s not surprising that they’re relying heavily on him to lead them to victory at the South Africa Worldcup 2010.
Supporting him in midfield is their captain and powerhouse, Javier Mascherano. Let’s also not forget Juan Sebastian Veron, who not only has immense experience, but also has a point to make after receiving criticism during Argentina’s poor performance at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup.
Lionel Messi has the most appearances in Soccer Wordcup matches, having played 18 games. The top goal scorers are Sergio Agüero, Lionel Messi and Juan Román Riquelme (4).
Argentina’s Leadership
Born October 30, 1960 in Lanús, Argentina, Diego Maradona is regarded as one of the world’s best footballer’s, alongside Pelé of Brazil. He’s now tasked with conveying his talent, experience and excellence as a player to the soccer worldcup team he now leads.
Maradona is known as a competitive, spontaneous and down-the-line kind of guy. As a player, he was nothing short of amazing. He rose through the ranks with his greatest moment being at Napoli in 1984.
However, in 1991 an ongoing drug problem led him to a 15 month ban. Later at the 1994 Soccer Worldcup he was kicked out due to positive testing for a banned substance. As a result of his addiction problems he endured severe health issues in 2004 and 2007.
After a nine year sabbatical, it came as a surprise when he was appointed as the successor to Alfio Basile, who was released due to poor performance. Yet, to date Diego Maradona hasn’t fared much better, with rumors for his replacement. With South Africa Worldcup 2010 around the corner, he has some work to do.
Argentina Soccer Worldcup Achievements
- In total the Argentine soccer team have played four FIFA World Cup Finals. In 1978 they defeated Netherlands and in 1986 Germany. But in 1930 they lost to Uruguay and in 1990 to Germany.
- The South Africa Worldcup 2010 will be Argentina’s 20th Soccer Worldcup appearance and their tenth consecutive appearance.
- Diego Maradona played in four succeeding finals between 1982 and 1994 and now leads the team to the South Africa Worldcup 2010 in his first appearance as a coach.
Argentina Soccer Worldcup Finals Results
| Year | Round |
| 1930 | Runners-up |
| 1934 | First round |
| 1958 | First round |
| 1962 | First round |
| 1966 | Quarter finals |
| 1974 | Second group stage |
| 1978 | Champions |
| 1982 | Second group stage |
| 1986 | Champions |
| 1990 | Runners-up |
| 1994 | Second round |
| 1998 | Quarter finals |
| 2002 | First round |
| 2006 | Quarter finals |
Argentina South Africa Worldcup 2010 Squad
The provisional Argentina soccer team is: Mariano Andujar (Catania), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar); Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Walter Samuel, Nicolas Burdisso (both Inter Milan), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille); Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina); Javier Pastore (Palermo), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan).
A 35 man squad will be announced by mid May 2010.
Argentina South Africa Worldcup 2010 Fixtures
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| Sat. 12 June 2010 |
12:30 UK | Argentina v Nigeria | Ellis Park (Johannesburg) World Cup |
| Thu. 17 June 2010 |
19:30 UK | Argentina v South Korea | Soccer City (Johannesburg) World Cup |
| Tue. 22 June 2010 |
19:30 UK | Greece v Argentina | Peter Mokaba (Polokwane) World Cup |
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