Crespo looking to reverse Argentina's recent fortunes

	Argentine veteran Hernán Crespo will turn 31 during the World Cup, easily making him the senior member of a young attack line. AP
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It's about time someone steps up. That's what all Argentines have been impatiently saying for some time.

Their country's national team boasts one of the richest squads in the World Cup, but since the championship side of 1986, it hasn't been able to reproduce the kind of success that has developed its history in soccer's ultimate competition.

One reason is that besides all-time high scorer Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina hasn't been able to produce a top-quality striker who performs on the big occasion.

Some may argue that Lionel Messi, Rodrigo Palacio and Carlos Tévez all promise to make an impact on the world stage, but there is one striker in particular who has the responsibility to put Argentina back on the map.

Hernán Crespo, a veteran of two World Cups, is hoping the third time's the charm. He'll turn 31 during the World Cup and is well aware that this is probably his last opportunity to stamp his name in the history books.

We recently caught up with a confident Crespo at the Argentine Federation headquarters in Buenos Aires to discuss his past World Cup experiences, the nation's prospects and his hunger to succeed in Germany.

SI.com: Will your third World Cup be the most special?

Crespo: All World Cups are special. This time it's different for me because of my age and because I've played in other World Cups, so these things don't surprise me. I think I will enjoy the World Cup much more than the previous ones this time because I've already played them and know exactly what to expect. But the World Cup is always something special for everyone and I will try to make the most of the opportunity.

SI.com: Being one of the veterans, do you think you will have more responsibilities than in the past?

Crespo: Yes, I'll have more responsibilities. I can't hide the fact that I've already played in two World Cups and am more experienced than the other guys, and I will definitely have more responsibilities than before both on and off the pitch. I will try my best to help the younger guys in the group, but the decision whether I play or not is up to the manager. The important thing is that Argentina does well.

SI.com: Argentina is in what many regard as the Group of Death (with Ivory Coast, Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro).

Crespo: Obviously, I wouldn't have chosen our group if I had the choice, as we have to face three difficult sides. But the situation is what it is and we must confront it. But at the same time we are calm, knowing that our World Cup starts with the first match.