Coach : Jose Pekerman
A middle-of-the-road midfielder, after retiring as a player Pekerman was a youth team coach in Argentina and Chile before becoming coach of Argentina's national youth teams at under-17 and under-20 level. Had a brief spell as director of football at Spanish second division side Leganes, before succeeding Marcelo Bielsa as national team coach. Was actually offered the job when Daniel Passarella resigned after the 1998 World Cup, but instead, he assumed the position of general manager of all the national teams and recommended Bielsa. A good, steady tactician not given to risk-taking.
Key Players:
Juan Roman Riquelme is the playmaker around whom the team pivots. The Villarreal midfielder is the real creative force but if Barcelona's 18-year-old Lionel Messi gets the call he will make Argentina much more direct. In defence, Roberto Ayala is the lynchpin.
Form Guide
Have shown enough to be regarded as one of the possible winners of the World Cup, but as in 2002 are in the toughest group. Finished second in qualifying behind Brazil.
Form Versus Countries In Group
Lost to Holland in a fantastic World Cup quarter-final in 1998, but beat them in Buenos Aires to win the tournament in 1978.
Style Of Play
A cross between the iron fist and the rapier. Argentina combine a robust approach in defence with velvet touch in attack, based on Riquelme's visionary passing and - if he is playing - Messi's dynamic running.
Group Verdict:
It will be a disaster if, as in 2002, they fail to qualify but in this group anything is a possibility.
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