Argentina team page
Squad
Coach: Carlos Borello
Roster
Goalkeepers: Romina Ferro, Vanina Correa, Elisabeth Minnig
Defenders: Valeria Cotelo, Sabrina Barbita, Clarisa Huber, Eva Gonzalez, Gabriela Chavez, Carmen Brusca, Catalina Perez
Midfielders: Natalia Gatti, Rosana Gomez, Maria Quinones, Florencia Mandrile, Andrea Ojeda, Mercedes Pereyra
Forwards: Maria Belen Potassa, Mariela Coronel, Fabiana Vallejos, Analia Almeida, Ludmila Manicler
Scouting report
Current world ranking: 29th (second in CONMEBOL)
Strengths: Argentina has the element of surprise and youth going for them in China. The Albicelestes collected their first-ever confederation title in a 1-0 upset win over perennial winners Brazil in the South American qualifying tournament in November 2006. Despite upending the growing world power of Brazil, no one is expecting much from Argentina in their second World Cup appearance, which could work in their favour. If opposing teams don't take Argentina seriously, the baby blue and white could make them pay. They are a young side with a few veterans dotted in the roster. They play entertaining soccer with the same excellent ball control and precision passing game as their male counterparts.
Weaknesses: Given that Carlos Borello has chosen mostly a U-20 side with a handful of veterans, experience at this level of play will be an issue. The South Americans do not play many exhibition games and if they do, it's usually within their confederation against the likes of weaker sisters such as Uruguay and Paraguay. Balanced scoring is also missing for Argentina. While other teams rely on a few different stars to share their scoring, Argentina's offensive responsibilities fall on the five-foot-four shoulders of Maria Belen Potassa. The brilliant young striker has shown a knack for the net, but the 19-year-old can't be expected to carry the hopes of the nation alone.
Player to watch: Touted as Argentina's female Maradona, Potassa will face a plethora of attention in China. She'll have veteran creative midfielder Rosana Gomez to lean on for support, but Potassa will need to showcase her skills and tenacity to give Argentina a shot at any upsets. Borello told FIFA.com of his prized player: "She's a very opportunistic forward with a tremendous future ahead of her."
Prognosis: Argentina will improve on its results from their debut appearance at the 2003 tournament in the United States, where they lost all three of their matches while scoring one goal and conceding 15. As much as the Albicelestes are improving in the women's game, they are not quite primed to move past the first round of this tournament.
ROAD TO THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
2007 qualification route: Argentina secured its berth to China 2007 by placing first in the final round of the 2006 Sudamericano Femenino.
Qualification record: 7 matches played, 6 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses
Goals for: 21 Goals against: 1
Top goal scorer in qualifying: Maria Belen Potassa (4)
Qualifying results:
Round robin (Group A): in Mar del Plata, Argentina
Nov. 10, 2006: Argentina 2, Uruguay 1
Nov. 12, 2006: Chile 0, Argentina 8
Nov. 14, 2006: Ecuador 0, Argentina 1
Nov. 18, 2006: Argentina 6, Columbia 0
Final round (Round robin format): in Mar del Plata, Argentina
Nov. 22, 2006: Argentina 0, Paraguay 0
Nov. 24, 2006: Argentina 2, Uruguay 0
Nov. 26, 2006: Argentina 2, Brazil 0
Women's World Cup 1st round matches (all times local)
Sept. 10: Germany vs. Argentina in Shanghai (Hongkou Football Stadium) at 2000
Sept. 14: Argentina vs. Japan in Shanghai (Hangkou Football Stadium) at 1700
Sept. 18: England vs. Argentina in Chengdu (Chengdu Sports Centre Stadium) at 2000
WOMEN'S WORLD CUP HISTORY
Argentina's history at the Women's World Cup is fresh, having only qualified for the 2003 tournament in the United States (where they finished with three losses). The Albicelestes' U-20 team, however, nearly made the semifinals of the 2006 tournament in Russia, but lost on goal differential after posting three wins and one loss in the group stage.
Number of previous Women's World Cup appearances: 1
Hosted the Women's World Cup: never
1991: Did not qualify
1995: Did not qualify
1999: Did not qualify
2003: First round
