FIFA Ranking: 5 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Argentina have won the World Cup twice -1978 and 1986. They finished as runners-up in the 1930 and 1990 editions. After their last final appearance in 1990, they haven`t progressed beyond the quarterfinals up till now.
Qualifying report: Argentina dominated the South American qualification proceedings, topping the chart and scoring a whooping 35 goals in the process. La Albiceleste beat Chile twice, and were the only team to win in Colombia. They registered home wins against Uruguay and Ecuador. However, Alejandro Sabella`s side suffered their first lost to Venezuela during the campaign.
Star Players: Lionel Messi scored eight goals in the qualification round. He plays for Barcelona (Spain) at club level. He is widely regarded as the best player on the planet and is a three time winner of Ballon dÓr. He has won many titles with Barcelona and has scored the highest goals in La Liga and is closing down on Raul`s Champions League record of the highest scorer as well. He will be keen to shine in Brazil and this is his team`s best chance. He was handed the captaincy band by Sabella and has scored goals in nearly every match since then.
Sergio Aguero is arguably the best striker in the Premier League alongside Luis Suarez. He plays for Manchester City (England). The flamboyant forward can score from any range and is an excellent passer of the ball while making swift movements all around the pitch. He will have to fight for a place against fellow teammate Gonzalo Higuain who too has been in top form this season. The star-studded team also features Angel di Maria.
Top Scorer WC Qualification 2014: Gonzalo Higuain (9)
Top scorer at the Cup: Gabriel Batistuta (10)
Most World Cup caps: Diego Maradona (21)
Team record at the Cup: M: 70, W: 37, D: 13, L: 20
Coach Alejandro Sabella - The ex-Sheffield United player was part of Argentina`s backroom staff at France 1998. He go the chance to become the boss after guiding the Argentinean side Estudiantes to victory in the Copa Libertadores. He spent much of his coaching career as an assistant to former Argentine coach, Daniel Passarella.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Monaco), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)
Defenders: Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Jose Basanta (Monterrey), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan)
Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell`s Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Enzo Perez (Benfica)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan)
Group listing: Group E - Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria.
Fixtures:
June 15: Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Rio de Janeiro
June 21: Argentina v Iran, Belo Horizonte
June 25: Nigeria v Argentina, Porto Alegre