Argentina is Brazil’s archrival in any tournaments, including in the world cup. Their title might be less than their neighbor and contender but their rivalry is always fierce. In the past few decades, Albiceleste have been involved even in a more intense competition on the pitch with Germany.
Overall Campaign
Argentina have made seventeen appearance in the final round. They have won twice and become runner-up three times. Albiceleste have always qualified to the world cup finals consecutively since 1974. They performed reached their peak form in 1978 and 1986. Their first title was clinched in 1978 when they were the host. Cesar Menotti’s side upset Netherlands 3-1 after their disappointment in the previous final in Germany. Mario Kempes and Co did not start their campaign convincingly at the group stage after only collecting two wins over France and Hungary but suffering a loss against Italy. On the second round, they did better and finished as the group leader toppling Brazil, Poland and Peru and went to the final to beat Holland. Meanwhile, in 1986, it was all about Maradona. The legendary skipper led the team to ease past Uruguay, England and Belgium at the knock out stage before crushing Germany 3-2. Maradona was inevitably awarded the best player in the tournament plus the best goal in the century for the skipper’s unbelieavable’s second goal against England at the quarter final.
Their next best result was being the runner up. 1930 they were defeated by Uruguay 2-4 while in 1990 and 2014, It was Der Panzer which thumped them 1-0 on both occasions. Their worst campaign was probably in 1938,1958,1962 and 2002 when they failed to advance from the preliminary round.
Iconic Moments
Argentina’s iconic moments were definitely their two finals. In 1978, they won over Netherlands 3-1 through Mario Kempes’ brace and Daniel Bertoni’s goal while De Oranje only responded once by Dick Nanninga. In Mexico 1986, it was a thrilling encounter. Carlos Bilardo’s men took two-goal lead as Jose Brown and Jorge Valdano found the back of the net. However, Germany hit back through Karl Heinz Rumminige’s and Rudi Voeller’s header. Their winning goal finally came from Maradona’s through ball to Jorge Burruchaga who tucked away into Der Panzer’s net.
Germany seems to bring nightmare to them quite often. One of the most horrible one was ironically when Maradona was in charge of the team in 2010. At the quarter final, they faced off Miroslav Klose and Co. Yet, instead of beating them, they were hammered 0-4. Another one was surely the 2014 final. Alejandro Sabella’s men had at least three clear chances in the six yard box to open the scoring but Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero missed them terribly, plus one disallowed goal. Mario Goetze’s goal just really forced them to succumb to German’s superiority.
Top Figures
Argentina’s world cup glory could never be far from Diego Maradona and his men such as Jorge Valdano plus Jorge Burruchaga, Mario Kempes, Daniel Passarella, and Leopoldo Luque on the pitch, whereas the notable mastermind at the helm of the team are Cesar Menotti and Carlos Bilardo.
