World Cup 2010: Argentina

World Cup 2010: ARGENTINA

FIFA ranking: 9

Overall World Cup record: 33-19-13

Coach: Diego Maradona

Best performance: Winner, 1978, 1986

Overview: Diego Maradona has found the transition from legendary player to national team coach a difficult one and as a result La Albiceleste struggled mightily in qualifying. But any team that includes Lionel Messi, widely hailed as the best player in the world, has to be considered dangerous. Messi’s supporting cast is also strong, especially midfielders Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron.

-- Kevin Baxter