Jul 10, 2002 12:34 PM
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(Updated Jul 10, 2002 12:34 PM)
Having won the World Cup on two previous occasions in 1978 & 1986 Argentina was among the top favorites to win the World Cup 2002 (Korea/Japan). Having being blessed with world class players such as Gabriel Batistuta, Sebastian Veron, Javier Zanetti, Kily Gonzalez, Hernan Crespo, Pablo Cavallero; Argentina were expected to create something out of everything. But things didn’t click for the Argentineans & they were back in Buenos Aires even before the start of the second round. Actually, the trouble with the foot-balling world is that whenever we hear anything about the South-American nations like Argentina or Brazil; we expect them to win (No matter what). Fans tend to forget the fact that other European teams like England, Italy, France, Germany, & Spain also plays great competitive football & are much better equipped in all aspect of the game than the South-American, Africans & Asian teams. So, it’s wrong to expect Argentina or Brazil to win every match they play.
The South-Americans were placed in Group F better known as “Group of Death”. And with teams like England, Sweden & Nigeria (One of the top African football team) in this group; one always wondered whether Argentina will ever reach the 2nd round or not. Actually, I never really fancied favoring Argentina before the start of this World Cup but after seeing this Argentinean side in action against Nigeria in Ibaraki (Japan) on June 2nd; I changed my outlook towards this mesmerizing side. What is more fascinating about this team is their attitude towards their job & final goal.
The Man: (Coach)
47yr old Argentinean born Marcelo Bielsa coached Argentina during the World Cup & thanks to his experience & guidance the South Americans enjoyed their best ever qualifying campaigns this season. He took over the job of coaching Argentina after France 98 & within a period of 2 years he completely changed the outlook of this Argentinean side. The success of the South Americans solely depended on his broad shoulders but destiny had something else in store for Marcelo Bielsa as his side crashed out in the first round itself…
The Boys: (Players)
>>Gabriel Batistuta: (Striker)
Gabriel Batistuta the 2nd most famous Argentinean after Diego Maradona had announced his retirement from international football much before the start of this World Cup. This was his last chance to prove his critics wrong (If ever there was one). He started his World Cup campaign in a flying note by scoring his 56th international goal for Argentina against Nigeria in Ibaraki (Japan). Though, Batistuta managed to win the opening match for his home team against Nigeria; he wasn’t able to show his class in the remaining matches & eventually had to bid goodbye to international football with terrible memories…
>> Sebastian Veron: (Mid Fielder)
Jaun Sebastian Veron is regarded as one of the world’s greatest Mid-fielder of our time. He captained the Argentinean side in their first match against Nigeria but after a minor injury Batistuta was given the chance to lead the South American team against the Swedish. His team-mates from Man United expected him to cause major problem for England; but due to lack of form & commitment shown by him on the field, coach Marcelo Bielsa called him off the field during the half time. Before joining Man United Veron was associated with the Italian Serie A club named Lazio. When he was transferred in this Man United side the team manager had to pay a princely sum of £ 28.1Million to urge him join their mesmerizing club.
>> Hernan Crespo: (Striker)
27yrs old Hernan Crespo is an aggressive striker who has scored 17 international goals in just 33 appearance for his country. He plays club football for the Italian giants Lazio; & he has been an inspiration behind this Argentinean side. He scored an equalizer against the Swedish in the 88th minute & saved the South Americans from a major embarrassment.
>>Mauricio Pochettino:(Defender)
Mauricio Pochettino will surely know how dangerous it is to be a defender (He tripped Michael Owen inside the penalty area & gave away a penalty to England; which Beckham happily accepted with both his feet)…Argentina lost their 2nd match against England due to his blunder. But we shouldn’t take anything from him as he is a superb player when it comes to save the ball. He first appeared for Argentina against Netherlands on 31st March 1999. Since then he has been a great defender & a prolific team man giving motivation to other players around.
>>Cristian Gonzalez: (Forward)
Cristian Gonzalez is a great left footed player who can play as a midfielder or as a striker. He scored 5 goals for Argentina in 30 appearance. His club side Valencia CF considers him to be the best midfielder in their side. His team mates has nicknamed him as “Kily” (God knows why)…..
Other players:
GOAL KEEPERs
BURGOS German(Atletico Madrid)
CAVALLERO Pablo(Celta Vigo)
BONANO Roberto(FC Barcelona)
Defenders
AYALA Roberto(Valencia)
PLACENTE Diego(Bayer Leverkusen)
SAMUEL Walter(AS Rome)
Midfielders
ALMEYDA Matias (Parma)
ZANETTI Javier(Internazionale)
ORTEGA Ariel(River Plate)
AIMAR Pablo(Valencia)
Forward
LOPEZ Claudio(Lazio Rome)
CANIGGIA Claudio(Glasgow Rangers)
LOPEZ Gustavo(Celta Vigo)
Team Fitness:
This Argentinean side comprises of old & young talent alike. Veteran stars like Batistuta, Veron & Aimar Pablo has shown great fitness through out their career. Even the young stars like CAVALLERO Pablo, Mauricio Pochettino & ZANETTI Javier has not let their coach down in anyway. Our Indian Cricket team should learn a thing or 2 from the South Americans when it comes to fitness.
Draw-Backs of the Argentineans:
Like our Cricket team; this South American football team also depend solely & heavily on Batistuta & Veron. If these 2 players didn’t click on the given day, the entire team get’s nervous & eventually loose its balance. Though this team looks solid on paper they still lack what it takes to become a World Champions.
