World Cup History
Best Result:
Winners 1978 and 1986
The initial runner-up in 1930, it was 48 years before Argentina made another final, fittingly at home in Buenos Aires against the Netherlands. In a thrilling encounter, Argentina ran out 3-1 winners in extra-time. Eight years later Argentina claimed their second World Cup in Mexico City. Powered by Diego Maradona's brilliance, Argentina won a quarter-final clash with England that entered folklore as the 'Hand of God' match, where Maradona fisted the ball into goal for the Albicelestes' first score. Maradona then scored both goals in a 2-0 semi-final win over Belgium before setting up Jorge Burrachaga for the winner late in the 3-2 final against West Germany. West Germany got their revenge over Argentina at Italy 1990 and since then, the South Americans have only managed quarter-finals appearances in 1998 and 2006. Heavily tipped to win in Germany after thrashing Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 in the group stages, Argentina crashed to a quarter-final loss to the host nation that led to an all-in brawl as players left the pitch.
Road to World Cup
Qualified as fourth in CONMEBOL
Argentina endured a torturous qualification for South Africa 2010 that went right down to the last of the 18 matches. Having played nine qualifiers under Alfio Basile, Argentina won just four and was in danger of danger of missing the CONMEBOL top four and automatic qualification. Enter Maradona. The legendary player replaced Basile as coach, despite having little managerial experience, and it seemed the Argentina Football Association was hoping his mere aura would carry them through. The AFA thought they had the right man when the team won 4-0 in Maradona's first match, but a 6-1 thrashing by Bolivia followed and it was quickly evident Maradona was out of his depth. One win from the next five qualifiers saw Argentina drop from the top four before a memorable night in Buenos Aires turned things around. As a menacing storm burst overhead, and the sharks closed in on Maradona, Argentina was level with Peru at 1-1 before veteran forward Martin Palermo poked the ball home two minutes into injury time for a famous win. Qualification would still go down to the wire as Argentina travelled to Uruguay for the final match, with the Uruguay in fifth position just a single point behind. As the winner claimed automatic qualification, this was a tense affair in Montevideo, but Argentina's Mario Bolatti settled the matter in the 84th-minute, sending his country through.
Star Men
Lionel Messi - The Barcelona magician may not have quite taken his club form to the international level but will still be among the most feared players on the pitch when the Albicelestes travel to South Africa. Messi was perhaps a fraction too young and light-bodied to really make an influence in Germany, but is at his prime for this tournament.
Javier Mascherano - The Argentine captain and defensive midfielder played every minute for his country during Germany 2006 and will probably be expected to do so again having replaced Javier Zanetti when Maradona took charge.
Stranger than Fiction
In 1978 Argentina was ruled by a military junta, forcing many teams to consider boycotting the event, although none did. However, everything suspiciously went right for the hosts. All their games were scheduled to start at night after other results were known, while in their last second-round match, Argentina needed to beat Peru by four goals to reach the final. They won 6-0 in circumstances leading to suggestions the game was rigged. Peru 'keeper Quiroga had been born in Argentina and it has since been alleged the Junta paid Peruvian officials $50 million US dollars, although nothing has been proven.
