A Soccer Worldcup Profile Of The Argentina Soccer Team

Over the years Argentina's Soccer Worldcup history has been remarkable. The only year they didn't qualify 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 winners, La Albiceleste faced a series of defying 2010 world soccer qualifying matches. Nevertheless having triumphed many issues, 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 truth as coach, Diego Armando Maradona, has superior players in his squad (including several players responsible for the team's quarter finals game at the Germany 2006 World Cup).

Their Best Soccer Worldcup Players

The Argentine soccer team is home to one of the world's top soccer players, Lionel Messi. Thus it's not unexpected that they're relying strongly on him to direct them to success at the South Africa Worldcup 2010.

Supporting him in midfield is their captain and motivation, Javier Mascherano. Let's also not overlook Juan Sebastian Veron, who not only has massive experience, but also has a point to prove after receiving critique during Argentina's inadequate performance at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. The player with the most appearances is Lionel Messi, having played in 18 Soccer Worldcup games. The top goal scorers are Sergio Agüero, Lionel Messi and Juan Román Riquelme (4).

Argentina's Coach

Born October 30, 1960 in Lanús, Argentina, Diego Maradona is regarded as one of the world's top footballer's, along with Pelé of Brazil. He's now on a mission to convey his talent, knowledge and distinction as a player to the Soccer Worldcup team he now leads.

Maradona is acknowledged as a cutthroat, impulsive and down-the-line type of guy. As a player, he was nothing short of brilliant. He climbed through the ranks with his ultimate 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 discharged due to positive testing for a banned substance. As a consequence of his addiction problems he endured serious health issues in 2004 and 2007.

After a nine year break, it came as a shock when he was named as the successor to Alfio Basile, who was dismissed due to poor performance. But, thus far Maradona hasn't fared much better, with talk about his replacement. With South Africa Worldcup 2010 in the near future, he has some work to do.

Argentina FIFA Soccer Worldcup Successes

- As a whole the Argentine soccer team has been involved in four FIFA World Cup Finals. In 1978 they defeated Netherlands and Germany in 1986. But in 1930 they were defeated by Uruguay and again 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 successive finals between 1982 and 1994 and now leads the team to the South Africa Worldcup 2010 in his first appearance as a coach.

By: Stewart Rigley

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