Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The offerings of soccer
fans decorate the front of
the Suizo-Argentina private
clinic in Buenos Aires, where
the former Argentinian
soccer star, Diego
Maradona, was hospitalized
in 2004. He remained in
intensive care for several
months as a result of a long
period of drug and alcohol
abuse which left him
fighting for his life.
World Cup Facts
The Argentinian national
squad has won two World
Cups - in 1978, when they
hosted the event and beat
Holland, and in 1986, against
West Germany. Both victories
have been plagued by
controversy: in the former it
has been claimed that the
then military dictatorship paid
for Argentina to win against
Peru in the semi-finals; in the
latter, Argentina beat England
2-1 in the quarter finals, where
the first goal was a handball by
Diego Maradona. The second
goal was a spectacular one-
man display, also by Maradona,
that shattered England's
defence. The team was runner-
up in the first tournament,
held in 1930 in Uruguay, and
in 1990 in Italy.
Fifa World Cup
Final (1986)
Argentina jumped
to a 2-0 lead after
55 minutes, but West
Germany scored two
goals to equalize in the
last ten minutes. Then,
with seven minutes
remaining, Jorge
Burruchaga scored a
brilliant winning goal
after receiving a pass
from Maradona.
The Argentinian squad ,
crowned with olive
wreaths, celebrates with
their gold medals at the
2004 Olympic Games in
Athens, Greece. They
defeated Paraguay 1-0 in
the final match.
Soccer Legends
Over the years, Argentina has
produced a pantheon of great
players that have outshone
others with their skill, agility, and
exquisite footwork. These include
the soccer player and coach
Alfredo di Stefano, the striker
Gabriel Batistuta, and the
legendary Diego Maradona, who
shares with Pele the title of the
best soccer player in the world.
Alfredo di Stefano (b.1926), nick-
named Saeta Rubia (Blond Arrow),
was a player of immense stamina,
versatility, and vision.
Diego Maradona (b.1960) is one of
the greatest footballers of all time,
despite being embroiled in contro-
versy on and off the pitch.
Oscar Ruggeri (b.1962), nicknamed
El Cabezón (Big-Headed One), was one
of the most successful defenders to
come out of Argentina.
Gabriel Batistuta (b.1969) is a
prolific player who, at an inter-
national level, is Argentina's all-time
highest goal scorer.
Lionel Messi , widely considered to be
Maradona's heir apparent, has been
crowned FIFA World Player of the Year
every year from 2009 through 2012.
 
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