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G6 Team Profile: ARGENTINA
The World Cup success of Argentina is difficult to predict. The names are not as well know as some of the other big contenders but the roster should include a good mix of veterans and young players just waiting for a chance to shine on the international stage.
The key for Argentina will be playmaker Juan Román Riquelme (Villarreal). Regarded as one of the top midfielders in European club soccer, he has the ability to completely control a game. His teammate in Spain, Juan Pablo Sorin, is equally adept in the midfield. Another crucial member of the squad will be defender Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United). Currently injured, he is expected to be ready to go by June and should anchor the back line.
Up front, look for Carlos Tévez (Corinthians) and Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) to lead the attack. Since he plays his club soccer in Brazil, Tévez is the lesser-known of the pair but he is an immensely gifted goalscorer. Also keep an eye out for Leo Messi (Barcelona). The talented young midfielder, who will be 18 when the World Cup begins, was the leading scorer at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.
Argentina has won the World Cup twice before (1978 and 1986). They essentially didn’t bother to show up for the tournament in 2002, however, and failed to get out of the first round. This year should be different. With the combination of experienced leadership and exciting young talent, the Argentineans just might be taking a certain gold trophy home from Germany with them.
Comments
Just because you don't know all of the players does not mean they are not gifted. As you said, the names are not as well know as some of the other big contenders but the roster should include a good mix of veterans and young players just waiting for a chance to shine on the international stage. If you followed Argentine soccer, you would know that many of the players including Tevez originally came from Boca Juniors. One of the greatest club teams in all of the world. Just because you don't know their names now, I guarantee you that their names will be imbedded in your head as they are in ours in a few weeks. This year's line up for Argentina is definately a great one, and I think you are correct when you say that we can take the Gold Trophy home this year. Hoping for the big win!!!!! A true Argentine at heart!!!!!!!
Posted by: J | May 22, 2006 07:06 PM
Can anyone tell me why Messi is not mentioned? He might be the best player of Argentina. He played terrific in CL and League Espanol for Barcelona. Oh, boy,,,
Posted by: goo goo devils | May 23, 2006 06:12 AM
argentina isn't even going 2 pass the first round.
Posted by: nakata | May 23, 2006 09:29 AM
"Also keep an eye out for Leo Messi (Barcelona). The talented young midfielder, who will be 18 when the World Cup begins, was the leading scorer at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship."
Yo, Messi's mentioned. And he's very good, but very young. We'll see if he's ready to shine this time around, or if 2010 will be his time.
Posted by: yoyo | May 23, 2006 10:00 AM
Argentina with Riquelme and Leo Messi will lift the world cup this year, they had a good season with their clubs and will showcase it in this world cup.
"Vamos Argentina!!!!"
Posted by: Jose Fernandez | May 23, 2006 05:08 PM
I would for sure fear argentina, only because they are so unpredictable. I wouldnt be suprised if they went all the way in germany.
Posted by: Brandon | May 24, 2006 06:58 PM
Argentina may not have big names in thier lineup . But they are really an competative side with youth and experience. They are not easy pass through for any opponent.I myself being a Diego Maradonna fan all the way through would love Argentina to lift the WORLD CUP 2006 in GERMANY.
Posted by: Mayavan Maheshwaran | May 25, 2006 02:43 AM
Alot of people are underestimating Argentina due to the last world cup, but im confident they will make it atleast to the quarter finals. GO MESSI!
Posted by: amike | May 25, 2006 02:55 PM
Although they don't have the names they definitely have the talent. Argentina is kind of the un-noticed team and I think this year they may be a threat to other teams.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 25, 2006 05:07 PM
argentina will defentaly get the cup this year. go argentina
Posted by: biggest argentina gurl fan | May 27, 2006 04:59 PM
argentina has a very young team,, plus the team has not gel just yet .however argentina still argentina
Posted by: manuel delgado | May 28, 2006 05:19 PM
argentina has a very young team,, plus the team has not gel just yet .however argentina still argentina
Posted by: manuel delgado | May 28, 2006 05:23 PM
argentina is so predictable. they do the same stuff evry game. they are one of the worst teams in the cup. According to my calculations, Ivory Coast will win it all and i would bet $1000000000000000000 on it. How bout dem apples.
Posted by: yo mama | May 28, 2006 05:54 PM
Ivory Coast won't win it
that is a joke
WHAT ABOUT MESSI
Posted by: yea right | May 28, 2006 06:06 PM
Argentina is one of the top three teams in the world despite the rankings. They will prove to be a difficult opponnent for anyone and should make the world cup finals.
Leo Messi will be the next Maradona......
Posted by: Clayton James | May 28, 2006 11:43 PM
Argentina is a very solid football team,their have a good chance to make it far enough even winning the world cup, because they have some the of best players that are playing the game now,and remember 1990 world cup.the team was not all that, remember how far they made it.watch out for argentina b'coz they're unpredictable.
Posted by: marc name is MARC DONALD. | May 29, 2006 10:16 AM
argentina has the talent the skills and the motivation but most importantly it has the heart and thats the most important thing!!! i will be behind them every step of the way! VAMOS ARGENTINA!
Posted by: Maru | May 31, 2006 02:34 AM
"argentina is so predictable. they do the same stuff evry game. they are one of the worst teams in the cup. According to my calculations, Ivory Coast will win it all and i would bet $1000000000000000000 on it. How bout dem apples.""
yo.. give me your numbewr or email.. i will bet u that money for sure... and dont chicken out.. i will pay u... what about u?
Posted by: Argentino | June 2, 2006 05:42 PM
my class at our private school are doing reports on all the teams this year n to make it fun some of the richer guy decided to bet on our teams so argentina better win to bring me the money or ill lose n pay 2000$ so Messi lead em to gold!!!
Posted by: rich guy | June 5, 2006 12:18 AM
Argentina has very skillful players and all but pretty much all of them are unathletic. No Athletic abilities. Brazil has far better athletes than Argentina so does France and some English players. Argentina can play against slower opponents but will have a hard time against bigger more athletic teams. Thats why they lost to Brazil 5-0 last time and thats why their players dont stand out as much as a Thyerry Henry or a Eto'o would.
Posted by: David | June 5, 2006 04:00 AM
I am glad so many new fans are coming to see what a great game futball is.It is not about winning alone, it is about playing well.A real fan doesn't care about referres, they can be bought, as we all know.Players must carry the game to another level with the execution of the game.I am proud to say the best team at 2006 was Argentina.There were several like Ghana and Australia, that really showed themselves to be on the way.
Posted by: Paulita | July 26, 2006 06:03 PM
argentina is great but when they bring out thier best player one of them mess up sure i would love to play for argentina when i become 19 in the net 4 to 5 years but they rule they need to start winnig games
Posted by: comr | January 9, 2007 09:23 AM
argentina cool
Posted by: meggi | May 5, 2008 08:47 PM