ARGENTINA

OK, I'm sure you're asking why I am including this 99% white country on a website about Black soccer. 1) There have been Black players in Argentina. 2) This is the country whose World Cup triumph in 1986 made me a soccer fan thanks to the great Diego Maradona and his breathtaking 2nd goal against England in 1986.

A country that continues to produce world class players such as Maradona, Mario Kempes, Abel Balbo, Gabriel Batsituta, Javier Zanetti, Juan Sebastien Veron, Javiar Savioloa among others, Argentines are artistic and skillful players and are the only team that can go toe to toe with Brazil on a regular basis.

This is why their shocking 3 and out in the 2002 World Cup was so disappointing to so many people. As tournament favorites, they were expected to make a deep run but they played very uninspired soccer.

The Argentine First Division is an entertaining league with some great skilled players. Though River Plate & Boca Juniors (Diego's former club) dominate the league, other top teams include Velez Sarsfield, San Lorenzo and Racing.

The best ever? Many people think so.
Diego Maradona put a final stamp on his
greatness in 1986 by kissing the World Cup
(from www.vivadiego.com)

Carlos Tevez (r) and Juan Roman Riquelme are
two young gifted players about to
blow up for Argentina (Reuters)

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