In some parts of the world the number 13 is considered unlucky, while in others it brings good fortune. So which way will it go for Argentina as they prepare for their thirteenth appearance in the FIFA World Cup™ finals? The nation that has produced such stars as Alfredo di Stefano and Diego Maradona believes that this is their big chance to lift the trophy for the third time.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa has revolutionised the way his side plays football. He plays with three across the back, a midfield stopper, two attacking wing halves, a playmaker and three strikers. This system has worked wonders so far, though it does help that his squad is blessed with world class players such as Hernan Crespo, Gabriel Batistuta, Roberto Ayala, Juan Veron, Diego Simeone, Walter Samuel, Juan Pablo Sorin, and Javier Zanetti, among others. Bielsa has achieved a nicely balanced blend of youth and experience, and most of his players have already had a taste of international competition at the highest level. So has the moment come for the new generation to burst through?
The South Americans were drawn into Group F, better known as the "Group of Death." Their first match will be on June 2 against Nigeria, who were one of their opponents in the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA. Argentina won that game 2-1, but it will be better remembered as being the last time that Diego Maradona pulled on the famous blue and white shirt. The Eagles defeated Argentina 3-2 in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Final, so Bielsa's side will be out for revenge.
Five days later comes the crunch match with England, undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the whole competition. The fierce rivalry between these sides goes back a long way, and over the years their encounters have produced many controversial moments. The last time they met, in the second stage in France 98, Argentina scraped through on penalties.
Their final group match will be against the powerful Swedes, who were very impressive in qualifying. "They are one of the toughest rivals of the lot," commented Argentina's national football co-ordinator Jose Pekerman.
Argentina dominated their South American qualifying group from start to finish. No side had ever gone though with such ease. Colombian national coach Francisco Maturana summed up the general feeling of the rest of the continent: "It is hell playing against Argentina." Marcelo Bielsa's side won 13 matches, drew 4 and only lost once - and that was away to Brazil. Hernan Crespo scored nine times in the competition and ended up as joint top goalscorer with Ecuadorian striker Agustin Delgado.
