Argentina

Argentina, one of the nations that stirs the hearts of those north and south of the border more than any other, in quite opposing ways. The two time World Cup Winners have at times shown us sheer greatness on the pitch, echoing if not even usurping their South American Brazilian neighbours. However, flashes of brilliance have often coincided with moments of madness, from a side that adds fight to fluidity.

The prospective squad going to South Africa this summer is no different. With the head coach epitomising this erratic footballing country. Diego Maradona is that man. And his journey through qualification was not an easy one.

Maradona took over the national side managerial role in November 2008, inheriting an Argentine side who had won 4 games, drawn 4 and lost 2 in the 18 match qualifying campaign. In his first competitive game in charge of La Albiceleste (White and Sky blue) he oversaw a 4-0 drumming of Venezuela. Yet, their fortunes changed when in the very next game they themselves were annihilated 6-1 by strugglers Bolivia. A 92nd minute goal from Palermo earned a much needed victory against bottom side Peru, setting up a “winner takes all” match against Uruguay in the final group match, with all being the final automatic spot. Bollati sent Maradona’s side to South Africa in the 84th minute (Although, Uruguay also made it after beating Costa Rica in the play-off match).

Despite their qualification, Maradona was issued a 2 month ban and £25,000 fine after telling the media to “suck it and keep on sucking it”. He has also fallen out with the inspirational Riquelme, who has subsequently retired from international football, insisting he cannot play under Maradona. Although, as magical as some of his football was in contrast to his managerial career thus far, Diego at least has managed to succeed in something that only “the Special One” Jose Mourinho has, by turning potentially the world’s newest “Greatest Ever Player” into something people simply refer to as average. Admittedly however, Mourinho was managing a side playing against Messi, as oppose to with him.

Messi will need to shine if Argentina are going to win for the first time since Maradona himself scored not only the “Greatest ever Goal”, but also the “Hand of God” in 1986. Fortunately, Argentina find themselves in a relatively easy group, group B, with Nigeria, South Korea and Greece awaiting them in South Africa. Although, all three are hardworking teams, Nigeria and Greece both failed to qualify for Germany 2006, and South Korea went out in the group stages. However, with Maradona at the helm, a shock exit may be on the cards.

Even without Riquelme, the South American side hosts a wealth of superstars. The defensive options boast the likes of Walter Samuel and Javier Zanetti – who has been capped an amazing 136 times. The midfield includes captain Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso(who is one of my personal favourite players yet clearlt not one of Maradona's), Maxi Rodriguez and even former great Juan Sebastian Veron may grace us with his presence. Maradona described his team as "Mascherano and 10 others". I just hope the Liverpool midfielder lets his feet do the talking and not his mouth, as so often is the case. If that wasn’t enough Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito may all be in the running for the golden boot award come the final.

History has shown us that, despite Argentina’s ability to play engaging attacking football, ill-discipline can be their downfall. Therefore, a strong leader is needed to guide the team to victory. A leader with stability and authority, attributes Maradona appears not to possess. Of course on the world’s greatest stage we should be talking about the world’s greatest players, and in some roundabout way we are. Maradona was, and still is, one of the best players ever. However, I fear for Argentina that we may be talking more about the manager than the players during this campaign, potentially leading to a shock group stage exit. Although, now I have said that, they will probably go on and win it...