Argentina

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 2nd

2002 World Cup qualifying: Finished first in CONMEBOL Final Group (13-1-4; 42 GF, 15 GA)

2001 Overall Record: 6-0-3

World Cup final appearances: 13 - 1930 (2nd), 1934 (9th), 1958 (13th), 1962 (10th), 1966 (5th), 1974 (8th), 1978 (1st), 1982 (11th), 1986 (1st), 1990 (2nd), 1994 (10th), 1998 (6th), 2002

Overall Record in WC: 29-18-10

Record vs. U.S.: 4-2-0; 24 GF, 7 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: U.S. 1, Argentina 0 in Washington, D.C.; June 13, 1999 (Moore)

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa (ARG)

Championship Honors: 1978 & 1986 World Cup champions; 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1957, 1959, 1991, & 1993 Copa America Champions (13 times); 1992 Confederations Cup champions

Key Players: Hernan Crespo (F, Lazio), Gabriel Batistuta (F, AS Roma), Juan Sebastian Veron (M, Manchester United)

Fast Facts: Were led in qualifying by Hernan Crespo's nine goals, which tied for tops in CONMEBOL.... Easily won CONMEBOL's 10-team group phase, clinching a spot with four games remaining on their schedule.... Are two-time winners of the World Cup, in 1978 at home in Buenos Aires and the Diego Maradona-led side in 1986 in Mexico.... Argentina has won three of the last four World Youth Championships.