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The 2014 FIFA World Cup like its earlier versionshave a lot of strong contenders, but one team which stands out among all other favourites is the Argentine national football team.The Albicelestes havealways been among World Cup favourites, even though theyhave failed to get past the quarter-final stage ofthe World Cup for the last 24 years. But the tournament being held in South America would provide them the much needed impetus to get over their past disappointments at the game's highest level.The team is being hailed by many as the favourite to lift the trophy, and here are the three reasons why I think Argentina can win the World Cup in Brazil.
#3 Almost home advantage
We all know about the bitter rivalry that exists between Brazil and Argentina. However the World Cup being in Brazil could only be considered as a boon for the Argentine national football team.
The players would find it easier to adapt to the humid weather conditions in comparison to their European counterparts.
The team has previous experience of playing in Brazil, and the pressure of playing in a competitive atmosphere must not be seen as a major impediment. Being a neighbouring nation, the team can also expect strong support from their fans, who would travel in huge numbers to support their beloved team.
#2 Squad depth and strength
The Albiceleste squad's strength is the depth of their squad. The attacking prowess of the team is well known to football fans as it includes big names like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria, as the stand out names apart from all the other seasoned attackers.
The Argentine midfield will be anchored by the seasoned midfielder Javier Mascherano along with Fernando Gago, and they will be well assisted by midfielders like Ricardo Alvarez, Lucas Biglia and Maxi Rodriguez.
A lot of observers have concerns regarding their defense, and even if it is well known that the team does not have a high profile name in their back-line, they certainly have a decent looking defense with players like Pablo Zabaleta, Ezequiel Garay, Hugo Campagnaro and Martin Demichelis, all those who have the experience of playing for big European football clubs.
The squad has a perfect mix of experience and youth, and the most crucial players like Messi, Aguero and Higuain are at the prime of their game.
#1 Lionel Messi
I am not a believer of the theory that Lionel Messi needs to be the part of a World Cup winning squad to become a legendary player, as I believe that he is already one of the greatest footballers to grace this game.
However, if he is ever going to make a huge impact on this tournament, it has to be in this edition. The diminutive attacker is presently aged 26, and will turn 27 during the course of this competition. The next World Cup would be probably too late for him to make his mark. Messi is a born winner, and he will give his best to ensure that his team ends up lifting the trophy.
The Barcelona attacker has become the captain of the side under Alejandro Sabella, and has also become the focal point of their all attacks. Messi loves to be at the center of things, and the captain would do all to be the stand-out player at the biggest stage.
