Argentina is most likely to lead South America's challenge at the 2006 World Cup rather than four-times champions Brazil. 

Argentina has a squad of which majority are seasoned campaigners based with major European clubs. So much so that locally-based stars such as Boca Juniors' sublimely gifted midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme have not managed to force their way into the squad. Adrian Messi who plays with Barcelona is expected to make it big in the World Cup. 

Even though Argentina have twice won the World Cup, in 1978 and 1986, their history is not free of the darker sides. The infamous quarter-final against England in 1966, Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal in 1986 will never be forgotten. There is also a tendency towards violence and gamesmanship which do not go down well with neutral observers and have often made them unpopular. 

In 1978, when they hosted and won the competition, it was under the sinister shadow of one of South America's most notorious military dictatorships. In 1990, they became the first team to have two players sent off in a World Cup final. Four years later, the team was rocked by the Diego Maradona doping scandal. 

However, times have changed. Argentina are no worse than any other modern, professional team. They even picked up the Fair Play trophies at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the 2001 World Youth championships, which the country hosted - and won in great style. 

Players to watch out for: Sorin, Adrian Messi, Juan Roman Riquelme

World Cup Squad Argentina