New Delhi: Only Brazil can create more hysteria than Argentina, the home of Diego Maradona, two time world cup winners, and finalists on four occasions.
They are amongst the favourites to win the World Cup in Germany this summer.
But Argentina will have to qualify from the "Group of Death" before they can dream of lifting the trophy for a third time.
Jose Pekerman's talented squad will face stern tests right from Round 1 as they look to avoid a first round exit for a second World Cup in succession.
Argentina is a team that has given sheer joy to football lovers the world over but in this world cup, argentina are looking to erase a bad memory.
That of their first-round exit from the 2002 World Cup.
In 2002 they were in a Group of Death with England, Sweden and Nigeria and 2006 is no better for the soccer crazy country as Ivory Coast, the Netherland and Serbia and Montenegro block their way.
"Don't forget that in the last World Cup we couldn't pass the first step, so that made a deep mark on us. That's why we have to take things easy and think more before doing anything and pass the first round as soon as possible," Roberto Abbondanzieri, Argentina goalkeeper, says.
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman undoubtedly has the right ingredients to choose from.
The team has a lethal strike force manned by the experienced Hernan Crespo, who hardly got a look in with a Chelsea squad bursting with expensive players, but still has 10 goals and two assists to his name this season.
He will be paired with Lionel Messi, the litte Barcelona wonderkid, already being compared to the legendary Maradona.
Messi scored seven goals in 15 games for Barca and then there is Juan Roman Riquelme.
Riquelme is a one-man midfield giant who took Villareal all the way to the Champions League semi-finals.
"Although the results in the last few games have not been satisfactory, I am relaxed because we can count on some very good players. We still have a month to work together," Hernan Crespo, Chelsea and Argentina player, says.
Argentina beat Brazil in Buenos Aires during their qualifying schedule and they may have to overcome their old rivals once again if they are to grasp the World Cup trophy for a third time.
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