Argentina squad penpix

LIMA, July 24 (Reuters) -- Penpix of the Argentina squad ahead of the Copa America final against Brazil on Sunday:

Goalkeeper:

1-Roberto Abbondanzieri (Boca Juniors). Born: 19.8.72. Caps: 6. The latest candidate as coach Marcelo Bielsa continues his search for a top-class goalkeeper, the Duck made his international debut last month at the age of 31. He has not been severely tested in the Copa.

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Defenders

8-Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan, Italy). Born: 10.8.73. Caps: 87. Experienced player and ever-present in the tournament, he has played in the full-back position during the Copa.

4-Facundo Quiroga (VfL Wolfsburg, Germany). Born: 10.1.78. Caps: 14. Given a run in the team in the last year but has made only two substitute apperances at the Copa. Joined Wolfsburg from Portugal's Sporting Lisbon last month.

6-Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United, England). Born: 19.4.78. Caps: 14. Ever-present on the left hand side of the defence, he has enjoyed an outstanding tournament. Physically strong, good timing and anticipation, good in the air and difficult to get past. Moved to Manchester United from Paris St Germain in the European close season.

3-Juan Pablo Sorin (Paris St Germain, France). Born: 5.5.76. Caps: 47. Has reverted to the left-back position rather than midfield for the tournament. Intelligent player with an extraordinary work rate.

2-Roberto Ayala (Valencia, Spain). Born: 14.4.73. Caps: 90. The team captain has been solid at the heart of the defence. Superb in the air as he proved against Uruguay when he scored arguably the best headed goal of the competition. Marred his tournament by getting sent off in the quarter-final against Peru.

22-Fabricio Coloccini (AC Milan, Italy). Born: 22.1.82. Caps: 7. Replaced Javier Mascherano in midfield against Peru and Ayala in defence in the semi-final against Colombia. Performed well in both areas with good anticipation and passing. Played in the 2001 World Youth Championship winning team.

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Midfielders

5-Javier Mascherano (River Plate). Born: 8.6.84. Caps: 7. An exceptional tournament playing just in front of the defence and without doubt a great find for coach Bielsa. Shows outstanding composure for a 20-year-old. Good in the tackle, good on the ball and excellent distribution.

10-Andres D'Alessandro (VfL Wolfsburg, Germany). Born: 15.4.81. Caps: 16. Chosen as the midfield playmaker for the Copa, he has good acceleration, is inventive with a powerful left-foot shot. Also possesses an explosive temperament.

11-Carlos Tevez (Boca Juniors). Born: 5.2.84. Caps: 7. One of the country's most exciting players, he has burst onto the international scene after being the inspiration for his club during the last two years. Scored free kicks against Peru and Colombia, the first just three minutes after coming on as a substitute. A move to a top European club appears imminent.

16-Luis Gonzalez (River Plate). Born: 19.1.81. Caps: 14. After making his debut against Honduras last year, Gonzalez has won a regular place this year. Has played a more attacking role in the Copa which has appeared to suit his style. Has scored two goals and been ever-present.

18-Cristian Gonzalez (Inter Milan, Italy). Born: 4.8.74. Caps: 50. Left-sided attacking midfielder or forward still desperately trying to make up for the disappointment of the 2002 World Cup, when Argentina were knocked out in the first round. Has a good left-foot shot and is experienced in the art of winding up the opposition.

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Forwards

7-Javier Saviola (Barcelona, Spain). Born: 11.12.81. Caps: 17. Often overlooked by Bielsa, he was given a start in Argentina's opening game against Ecuador and scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 win. A nagging hamstring injury has spoiled his tournament since.

9-Luciano Figueroa (Cruz Azul, Mexico). Born: 19.5.81. Caps: 5. Has resurrected his career after an unhappy six months with English premier team Birmingham City last year and scored his first two international goals against Uruguay after stepping in for Saviola.

19-Cesar Delgado (Cruz Azul, Mexico). Born: 18.8.81. Caps: 13. A constant torment for opposing defences with his speed and trickery down the right. Played alongside Figueroa at Rosario Central last year, the pair are now back together in Mexico at Cruz Azul.

21-Mauro Rosales (Newell's Old Boys). Born: 24.2.81. Caps: 7. Similar to Delgado, fast and tricky, sometimes over-elaborates. Usually used as a substitute.

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