Argentina

Argentina have been in the hunt for a world cup victory since 1986. This time around they have their 1986 hero Diego Armando Maradona as their coach. Though Maradona was a great player, his coaching career has been pretty poor(at least till now). After a terrible qualifying campaign which saw them lose 6 - 1 to Bolivia, this would be almost anybody's inference. The problem is, he follows his heart too much, and doesn't rely on his head to do the thinking. He chose to drop Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.The pair had an excellent season with Inter!In the qualifying campaign, he changed his team very frequently and even made shocking decisions like recalling striker Martin Palermo who had last played for Argentina back in 1999 or so. However, he has won a world cup for his nation and the rich experience would perhaps help his team(I am not talking about the hand of God here!). And yes, they have Lionel Messi who seems to be at the peak of his career. Argentina head into this world cup once again as favourites.

Under the Media Scanner - Diego Maradona

At the post, Argentina lack a quality keeper. They have Deigo Pozo , Mario Andujar and Sergio Romero as options, relatively unheard of, when you consider Brazil's Julio Cesar or Spain's Iker Casillas.

S. Romero - Plays for AZ Alkmaar in the dutch league

At the back, they have the rock solid Walter Samuel, who has been very good for Inter Milan this season. He would be partnered with Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichellis. They also have Nicolas Burdisso as an option for the center. At the wings, there would be Gabriel Heinze on the left and Nicolas Otamendi on the right.

Walter Samuel - Tough Nut to crack

In Midfield they have the experienced Juan Sebastian Veron and Javier Mascherano at the center. On the left Maradona will play the young Angel Di Maria who has impressed with Benefica. At the right flank , its likely he would pick Maxi Rodrigues ahead of Jonas Guttirez who is trying to draw on his "championship" experiences with Newcastle!

Veron - Bothered by Messi's snoring habits

Up front,they have their main man , Lionel Messi,The World Player of the year. As I said before, if Messi gets going, Argentina would be tough to beat. To partner him, Maradona should choose Diego Milito, who is in amazing form and recently netted two goals in the champions league final. For replacements, he has Carlos Tevez,Gonzalo Higuan (who had a good season with Madrid), and Kun Aguero to choose from. And , there is Matrin Palermo(no clue why he is there) as well.

Diego Milito - World Class Finisher

Here is a probable starting line up

Formation - 4-4-2

Goal Keeper -Sergio Romero

Center Backs - Walter Samuel, Martin Demichelis... Right Back - Nicolas Otamendi , Left Back - Gabriel Heinze

Center Midfielders - Juan Sebastian Veron, Javier Mascherano...Right Midfield - Maxi Rodriguez , Left Midfield - Angel Di Maria

Strikers - Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain

This Argentina squad is talented. It has 5 world strikers including Lionel Messi, the Worlds best player. Unless Maradona gets in the way, this team can go the distance in Africa this summer.