Argentina

Argentina have enjoyed a controversial couple of years in the run- up to this World Cup. After a rocky start to South American qualifying, Alfio Basile was replaced by national icon Diego Maradona, the man who practically won the World Cup single-handedly in 1986.

The appointment was viewed with trepidation by many. The former Napoli star is almost a deity in his homeland, and failure in his new post may take away from his legacy. Also, he had very little coaching experiencing in the first place, and giving him the job seemed like a ceremonial anointing for all his previous endeavours, although it was hoped a friendly face could inspire the under performing superstars of La albiceleste.

Results remained inconsistent, but automatic qualification was assured with a 1-0 win in Montevideo on the final day last October. A 6-1 defeat at altitude in La Paz and losing 3-1 in Brazil represented low points but nevertheless the ultimate goal was achieved.

Maradona has used in the region of 100 players in his two years at the helm, and his inconsistency in selection was mirrored in last Tuesday's squad announcement, which left the world's media in shock as five star were omitted. Esteban Cambiasso, Javier Zanetti, Fernando Gago, Ever Banega and Gabriel Milito may not have started for the coach but their presence would have been useful.

Maradona appears to have finally settled on a starting XI however, judging from the 1-0 victory in Munich in a friendly with the Germans. A return to 4-4-2 may be in store, having clearly failed with a 4-3-3 consisting of the diminutive trio of Leo Messi, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero up front. 

The two time world champions still remain one of the favourites for this years tournament, but the erratic management of El Diego may be what coasts them in South Africa.

SCHEDULE- Group B

Nigeria                June 12th- Johannesburg (Ellis Park)   

Korea Republic   June 17th- Johannesburg (Soccer City)

Greece                June 22nd- Polokwane

For all of Argentina's problems, this group shouldn't be one of them. Three three opponents all have their strong points, be it unpredictability, fitness or organisation, but none have the same calibre of players as Argentina have. Therefore they should have enough to come through the group with something to spare.

First up is Nigeria, who they met at the same stage in 2002 ans 1994. A 1-0 victory in Japan in the first match proved to be the high point of the tournament for that generation of Argentinians. Marcelo Bielsa team had lofty expectations but embarrassingly feel at the first hurdle. The result didn't go down well at home, in a country suffering one of the worst financial crashes in history.  

Greece will also hold memories for the current coach, who scored against the Hellans in America in 1994. Having registered the last in a 4-0 win, the great one proceeded to scream into the camera with eyes popping from his skull. His last game for the national team was only days away.

KEY PLAYERS

Despite the absence of talented midfielders, there is still enough quality throughout the squad to get by. The most obvious is of course, Lionel Messi. The Barcelona forward is the FIFA World Player of the year and currently the leader in the chase for Europe's golden boot. Criticism has suggested he is yet to perform for his country however, despite scoring one of the goals of the decade in the 2007 Copa America against Mexico. Such talk emanates from not spending his teenage years in Argentine. Maradona grew up with his compatriots drooling over his every move from the age of 16. Time spent with Argentinos Juniors and Boca made him an icon before taking over the world stage. This is Messi's opportunity to win over his countrymen, as the weight of expectation will be primarily on his shoulders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5orXdWwTVg

Javier Mascherano is a vital cog in the machine. The captain is Maradona's voice on the pitch, and will be expected to get the ball back and give it to his more attacking team mates. A lot of faith has been placed in the Liverpool midfielder, and no more so now without Gago and Cambiasso.

In attack is where Argentina are strongest. Messi is joined by Tevez, Aguero, Inter Milan's Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid, as well as veteran Martin Palermo and Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi. meaning there was no room for Lyon's Lisandro Lopez. All seven will surely not make the plane, meaning a superstar may miss the final cut.

Strenght in depth has been compromised by leaving out proven European performers. Beyond the first choice midfielders and defenders, there looks to be a gaping hole. Mardaona has filled a sizeable chunk of the squad with home based players, and even a couple of English Championship players, Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini. If the likes of Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze, Walter Samuel, Juan Sebastian Veron or Angel di Maria get injured then La albiceleste will be in trouble. 

Goalkeeper appears to be the main problem area in the squad. Between the three choices are only 12 caps. Sergio Romero started the friendly with Germany, but in only 23 and has five caps, although he has spent the last two seasons in goal for AZ Alkmaar in Holland.

Juan Veron will be hoping for some salvation from the 2010 tournament, as he was widely vilified back home for performances in 2002, when he was expected to reproduce his spectacular Lazio form and delivery the cup for Argentina. He didn't and spent some time in the wilderness before being redrafted by Maradona.

ONE TO WATCH- Sergio Aguero

The Atletico Madrid striker may start the tournament on the bench but will play his way into the team in time. He will surely make a big money move this summer, where his full potential will finally be realised. His family ties with the coach have blighted his senior international career thus far but he has been a star through the ranks from under 17 to the Olympic side.       

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

For a country like Argentina, there can only be one outcome, and that is to win the trophy. Of course, that is not always possible. A quarter final is the limit and should be easily reached. Beyond that is where things get tricky, as that game could be with Germany, as in 2006. There is no doubt that Argentina have the fire power, including the best player in the world, to win the tournament, and if they do Maradona god like status will be enhanced, if that's possible.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

A repeat of 2002, failure tactically by Maradona and an under performing Leo Messi.

PREDICTION

Hard to gauge. Should be capable of beating the teams placed in front of them until the quarter finals, where  any inconsistency will need to eradicated. If it is to be Germany, then penalties are not an option. Semi finals...maybe.