Group B contenders
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece

Route to the finals
Two-time winners Argentina were consistently inconsistent throughout qualifying for this summer’s World Cup.

Initially under the guidance of Alfio Basile in the ten-country South America zone, Argentina began well with three wins out of three. Ten games into the campaign, however, and things weren’t as rosy.

Basile resigned after a run of one win, four draws and two losses and prompted one of the most high profile appointments in world football.

Diego Maradona, the architect of the country’s 1986 World Cup victory, was brought in to secure qualification but without any international managerial experience it proved tougher than anticipated.

A record 6-1 defeat to Bolivia and a 3-1 reverse against fierce rivals Brazil proved the low point of Maradona’s reign, but somehow the man who almost singlehandedly lifted the trophy in ’86 managed to rescue his side with victory over Uruguay in Montevideo in the final game of the campaign.

Manager
Diego Armando Maradona needs little introduction. Recognised as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game, the Argentine is now leading La Albiceleste from the bench.

Taking the hot-seat midway through the World Cup qualifying campaign was always going to be a tough ask but in keeping with Maradona’s exhilarating and tumultuous playing career, Argentina managed to guarantee automatic qualification in the final game.

Having endured a record 6-1 defeat to Bolivia during qualification, Maradona has already faced criticism from the media for his lack of managerial experience and tactical nous, but now they have reached the finals there is no denying Argentina will be one of the favourites to lift the trophy for a third time. 

Player watch
In Lionel Messi, Argentina have arguably the best player in the world today. The gifted forward has been in magnificent form for Barcelona in recent seasons, scoring a bundle of goals as the club achieved a UEFA Champions League, La Liga and Spanish Cup treble in 2009.

However, his performances in the blue and white of Argentina have often been more muted. With constant comparisons to his Manager Maradona, the weight of expectation could be too much for him to bear.

Luckily for him, the South Americans can also boast the likes of Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuain as a rather impressive support act.

Competition History
First appearance: 1930
No. of appearances (inc 2010): 15
Best result: Winners (1978 & 1986)
Matches against England: 14

Squad